( ths -NATURALI ASSOCIATED NATURAL History, PHILOSOPHICAL, AND ARCHAOLOGICAL SOCIETIES AND FIELD CLUBS OF THE MIDLAND COUNTIES. EDITED BY EK. W. BADGER & W. J. HARRISON, F.G.S. ‘‘Come forth into the light of things, ~ Let Nature be your teacher.” Wordsworth. VCore Mei) 2. 1878. London: Hardwicke and Bogue, 192, Piccadilly. Birmingham : Cornish Brothers 37, New Street. LR OR(rex= = \e RSSEAW ORTHINCGTON SMITH DEL.ET SC SS) PREFACE. The completion of the first volume of the ‘ Midland Naturalist ’’ seems to call for a few remarks from those who undertook its editorship. The purposes and aims of this periodical are fully set forth in the opening address (p. 1.) How far the ideas and hopes therein expressed have been fulfilled we must leave our readers to decide, but we can earnestly assure them that on the part of the Editors and Publishers no efforts have been spared to realise all that was promised. It is, however, with the future rather than with the past that we are now concerned. If the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist’’ is to assume its proper position in scientific literature, as the official organ of so large and influential a body as the Midland Union of Scientific and Literary Societies, then continual efforts must be made for its improvement. But the power to so improve our Magazine, to illustrate it well, as we wish to do, to enlarge it so as to admit both popular and abstruse scientific communications, is entirely dependent on the number of subscribers. Of the 4,000 members belonging to our Union, too few have, as yet, become annual subscribers to this Journal. During the coming year their number ought to be largely increased, and we ask every one of our readers to aid in bringing ~~ this about. a a Furthermore, every subscriber should consider him or herself as commissioned to observe and report on all = = —oceurrences of scientific interest which may happen in ~~, their neighbourhood. It cannot be doubted that hundreds of PREFACE. facts, which if published would be of scientific value, are yearly observed by some one or other, but lost because not recorded. If our readers will help us in this respect, our endeavour to make the ‘“ Midland Naturalist’? a magazine of Midland Counties Natural History will be realised. Many of our readers have given us valuable assistance, and to all the kind friends who have contributed to our pages we tender our warmest thanks. We owe especial thanks to Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L.S., and Mr. W. B. Grove, B.A., not only for contributions, but for unceasing help in correcting proofs, and in other ways. We also gratefully acknowledge the services rendered by our eighty Meteorological observers, who have enabled us to publish from month to month a very complete record of the weather of the Midlands. To Mr. Charles E. Scarse, of the Birmingham Library, both we and our readers are greatly indebted, for com- piling the excellent Index we are enabled to publish of the contents of our first volume. During the coming year we hope to present our readers with a number of interesting papers. To the January part Philip Henry Gosse, Esq., F.R.S., will contribute a most valuable account of a Marine Aquarium on the circulating principle recently erected by him in his house at Torquay. «We shall also soon commence a series of practical Geological papers, entitled ‘‘ Rambles with a Hammer in the Midland Counties.” The important communications with which Dr. T. Spencer Cobbold, F.R.S., has favoured us will be continued, as will also Mr. James E. Bagnall’s ‘‘ Moss Habitats ;” the latter gentleman is also preparing some articles on ‘‘ The Cryptogamic Flora of Warwickshire.” Mr. W. B. Grove, B.A., will contribute some papers on ‘* The Pronunciation of Scientific Names.’’ The Glacial scheme (see p. 242) will, we trust, be productive of good results, which we shall be glad to chronicle. A paper on ‘ Practical Meteorology,’ with illustrations of the most recent improvements in meteorological apparatus, is also in hand. Entomology, Ornithology, and Microscopy will not be forgotten; but for these subjects we invite and shall be glad to receive further aid. PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS VOLUME. James E. Bacnatu, Birmingham. W. G. Buatcu, Birmingham. Epwarp W. Banvcer, F.R.H.S., Birmingham. F. A. Bepwett, M.A., F.R.M.S., Bridlington Quay. Montacu Browne, Birmingham. C. Catnaway, M.A., D.Sc. Lond., F.G.S., Wellington, Salop. ArtHur A. Crarson, Tamworth. T. Spencer Cospsoip, M.D., F.R.S., London. Mrs. G. R. Cowen, Nottingham. Rev. H. W. Crosskey, F.G.S., Birmingham. Rospert Garner, F.L,S., Stoke-on-Trent. Rey. Professor H. N. Grammer, M.A., Aberystwith. W. B. Grove, B.A., Birmingham. W. Jerome Harrison, F.G.S., Leicester. W. Hixps, M.D., Birmingham. W. R. Hueues, F.L.S., Birmingham. W. J. Lancaster, F.C.S., F.R.A.S., Birmingham. Rey. J. D. La Toucne, B.A., Stokesay. Francis D. Lonez, F.G.S., Cheltenham. E. J. Lowe, F.R.S., Nottingham. W. P. Marsuatt, M.1.C.E., Birmingham. J. H. Mippteron, Cheltenham. J. GrirFitH Morris, Hereford. F. T. Mort, F.R.G.S., Leicester. Rev. W. H. Paryter, Derby. Rooke Pennincton, F.G.S., Bolton. G. SuerrirF Tre, Birmingham. J. Surman, Nottingham. W. Suone, F.G.S., Chester. Epwin Smita, M.A., Nottingham. Rey. C. F. THornewm1, M.A., Burton-upon-Trent. Epuunp Tonks, B.C.L., Birmingham. A. W. Wut1s, F.C.S., Birmingham. Waricut Wuson, M.R.C.S., F.L.S., Birmingham. ILLUSTRATIONS IN VOLUME I. PLATES. PAGE. Outline Sketch of Ferns eC Sc fe Plate A toface 52 Tlustrations of Pumphrey’s Autographic Process, Plates B to H sy) 132 Freshwater Algs 3e she ae a Plate I. Prime ile) Plate II. a> LAS Plate ITT. 33. also) On the Study of Mosses Shs aS -. Plate LV: 3 aloe (Ecistes Pilula and Longipes .. 50 -- Plate V. Ay lly WOODCUTS. Field’s Aneroid Barometer .. ae Sc Se Fig. 1, 10 Section showing Junction of Keuper and Upper Bunter, at Nottingham ae ae ats fe Fig. 2, 32 Challengeria ae at as ote AG Fig. 3, 47 Challengerida Be xe ae x6 Figs.4&5, 47 Ancient Coin Casket ae es ane ore Fig. 6, 155 Silver Penny of Edward the Confessor ae << Fig. 7, 158 a: William I. (or Il.) .. 2 4 Tip Bee INDEX. COMPILED BY CHARLES E. SCARSE. Abnormal Ferns, 5 Growths in Plants and Animals, 251 Acherontia Atropos, 199 Address, Opening, by Editors, 1 African (South) Fossils, 230 Agates found in Drift, 26 Agave Americana, 254 Air, Adventures in the, 131 Algs, Freshwater, (illust.,) 113, 145, 189, 259 Aloe, American, 254 Analogies of Plant and Animal Life, 111 Aneroid Barometer, an Improved, 8 Animal and Plant Life, Analogies of, 111 Antiquities, Spurious, 226 Apples, from Pips, 337 Apple Tree Blossoming in Augnst, 254 Aquaria, 54, 82, 85, 108, 198, 274, 340 Archeology, 112, 231, 265, 278, 312, 340 Arran, Marine Zoology at, 11, 284, 313 Artizan Naturalists, 310 Arum, the, an Insectivorous Plant, 106, 138 Astinomus e@dilis, 22 Aucuba Japonica, and Vera, 165 Autographic Printing, 132, 165 Automatic Railway Signalling, 339 Bagnall, (J. E.,) Distribution of the Genus Rosa in Warwickshire, 41, 281 Bagnall, (J. E.,) On the Study of Mosses, (illust.,) 59, 193, 213, 271, 318 Ballooning in England, 131 Barometer, Field’s Improved Aneroid, 8 Mountain, 8 Barrow-in-Furness Naturalists’ Field Club and the Paris Exhibition, 201 Bas Boulonnais, Excursion to the, 229 Bedwell, (F. A.,) Notes on Melicerta Ringens, 245 Beech Trees, Girths and Age, 260 Bees, Determination of Sex, 172 Beetle, Curious, Note on, 22; Rare, 202 Berkeley, (M. J.,) the Rev. Andrew Bloxam a Memoir, 88 Portrait of. presented to the Linnean Society, 337 Biology, Honours in at Oxford, 312 Birds, Blackbird, Black and White, 106 Black-backed Gull, 49 Cage, Duration of Life of, 280 Crusade against Sparrows, 201 Cuckoo, 21, 81, 163, 198, 226, 227, 2538, 254, 280, 308 Destruction of, 176 Early Appearance of, 49, 136, 163, 167 Eggs, Side Blown, 227 Fieldfares, 337 Magpie, 21, 81 Migration of, 277 Rare, 24 WELL TI Bird, Redpoll and Linnet, 198, 227 Snipe Breeding, 253 Sparrow, Nest of, 21 Sparrow, with White Wings and Tail, 311 Tame-bred Mallards, 201 The Colouring Matter Plumage of, 200 Woodcock, 280 Wren, Gold-crested, 227 Birmingham Aquarium, the, 85, 208 Library, the, 311 Philosophical Society, Proceedings of, 141, (Review,) 277 Saturday Half-Holiday Guide, (Review,) 225 Bland, (W.,) Notes of Lessons on Elemen- tary Botany, (Review,) 105, 141 Blatch, (W.G.,) Entomological Books for Beginners, 100 Blue John Mine in Traycliff, 64 Bloxam, the Rev. Andrew, Death of, 81, 83; Memoir, 83 Bolton, (Thos.,) a Productive Pond, 76 Bolton, (Thos.,} Microsecopists’ and Natu- ralists’ Studio, 132, 141, 229, 255, 283, 335 Bolton, Museum for, 229 Bones of Extinct Animals at Castleton, 64 Borings in Limestone Rocks, 309 Books, a Classification of, 311 Boscobel, the Royal Oak at, 282 Botanical Query—the Ranunculus, 107 Locality Record Club, 313 Botany—Abnormal Ferns, 5 Agave Americana, 254 Algee, 113, 145, 189 Analogies of Animal and Plant Life, 111 Arum, 106, 138 Botanic Garden, Darwin’s, 261 Brambles, Double, 137 Chara fragifera, 23 Chelidonium majus, 198 Chlorophyll and Starch, 37 Climbing Plants, 164 Cuckoo-pint, 106 Deformed Primroses and Double Flowers, 137, 163 Derbyshire, 283, 310, 336 eysteibution of the Genus fosa, 41 a} Do Leaves Absorb Water ?, 337 Drosera rotundifolia, 50 Ferns, 5, 52, 110, 308, 310 Ferns, How to Raise from Spores, 7 Flowering of Plants, 82, 221 Flowers : their Origin, &c.. 221 Fungi, 79, 137, 233, 283, 316, 336 Hepatice, British, 140 in the PT LAE VP HTTPEHT | ll INDEX. Botany, Herefordshire Pomona, 141, 311, 330, 337 Hybrid Brambles, 24 Hybrid Fern, 52, 337 Hybridisation. 337 Insectivorous Plants, 106, 138 Juncus filiformis, 199 Knight, (T. A.,) Duration of Plant Life, 330 Leicestershire Flora, 21, 82 Lichens, 140 Miller’s Dale Flora, 310, 336 Mosses, 59, 80, 136, 163, (illust.,) 193, 213, 271, 313, 315, 318 Mycology, 79, 137, 233 Napton, Flora of, 281 Nectaries, 107 Notes of Lessons on Elementary 105, 141 Notes on the Flora of Napton, 281 Notes on Rubi, 140 Of the Isle of Man, 69, 90 Orthotricum leiocarpum, 136 Petasites vulgaris, 136 Phytologia, Darwin's, 262. Plant List for Derbyshire. 283 Plants in Bloom, Dec., 1877. 49 Ps 53 Jan., 1578, 77 Prunella vulgaris, White, 136, 163, 164 Raphides and Plant Crystals, 159 Rotation of Plants, 163 Rubi, Notes on, 140 Sphagnacew Braithwaite’s, 337 Teratology, 251 The Study of, at Oxford, 312 Utricularia, 314 White Harebell, 106, 135, 308 White Ragged Robin, 198 White Varieties of Plants, 106, 135, 136, 163, 164, 198, 4308 Yorkshire, West, 331 Zoonomia, Darwin's, 261 Bottle for Collecting Pond Life, 255 Boulder, Digging Out a, 153 Brambles, Hybrid, 24 Donble-blossomed Dwarfed, 137 British Association, 53, 241, 83 British Barrows—Sepulchral Monnds in varions parts of Kingland, (Review,) 128 Broom, it C.,) Rainfali at Wolverhamp- ton, 102 Brown, (Henry,) Bequest of £5,000, 229 Browne, (Montagu,) Practical Taxidermy, 187, 140, (Review,) 222 Bulimus obscurus, 309 Bunter rocks, 19, (illust.,) 30 Barton-upon-Trent Natural History _ Society: Report of the, (Review,) 305 Butterflies, 14, 145, 188, 202, 253, 277, 288, 338 PUTTLPET PETTPET TE TT Tt Callaway, (Charles,) Recent Discoveries in the Geology of Shropshire, 205 Campanula rotundifolia, 106, 135, 308 Canary, age of, 280 Caradoc Rocks, 205, 255 Fossil, 315 Carp and Herrings interbreeding, 166 Castleton: Its ixtinct Fauna and Physical Surroundings, 68 Caswell, (.John,) a Winter's Ramble, 77 Cat Walking Seventy Miles, 141 Caverns and Mines at Castleton, 65 r-rel aor pa 187 ephalopoda, Fossil and Recen Cephalosiphon limnias, 76 ig a ———————— Cervus tarandus, 255 Cestoda, 119 Chalk, a Piece of, 324 Challenger, Voyage of the, (Review,) 44 Challengeria and Challengerida, (illust.,) 47 Chara fragifera, found near Penzance, 23 Charnwood Ferns, 310 Rocks, the, 54, 153, 243 Chelidonium majus, 198 Mager is Microzoa in the Boulder Clays of, 29: Chestnvt Trees, Girth of, 288 Chiffchaff, the, 136 Chlorococcum vulgare, (illust.,) 113 Chlorophyll-Body, the, 37 Cladocera, 17, 35 Clarke, (Rev. W. B.,) Death of, 255 ‘ Clarson, (Arthur A.,) The Tamworth Trea- sure Trove andthe Tamworth Mint, (illust.,) 155 Clausilia laminata, 309 Clay, Boulder, 304 — Microzoa in the Boulder Clay of Cheshire, 292 —— Fossiliferous at Wolverhampton, 298 — on the Microsep nna Examination of, 32>. Climbing Plants, 164 Coal, Boring f- r, 54 —— Fields, Correlation of, 112 — Open Work of, 186 — Pit, visit to, 187 Cobbold, (T. S.,) Parasites of Man, 57, 97, 118, 209, 295, 326 Cobbold, (T. S.,) Elected Hon. Vice-Presi- dent of the Birmingham Natural His- tory and Microscopical Society, 165 Cobbold, (T° S.,) Address by, 177 Cocks Rearing Chickens, 137 Cochlicopa tridens, 309 Coins, Ancient, found at Tamworth, 155; ilust , 148 Found at Abinger, Surrey, 229 Collector’s Bottle, 255 Cc igpring Matter in the Plumage of Birds, 20 Compressorium, cheap, 335 Conchology, 21, 50, 309, 323 Condensing Collecting Bottle, a, 255 Conochilns yolvox, 50, 76, 101, 269 ; male, 202 Conversazione of the Midland Union of Natur 1 History Societies, 181 Copepoda, 17, 33 Correspondence, 21, 49, 78, 106, 135, 163, 198, 226, 253, 280, 308, 336 Correspondents, Notice to, 232 Cosmarinm ecelatum, (illust.,) 113 Cotton Wool as a Microscopie Trap, 108 Cover of ‘‘ Midland Naturalist,” «5 Cowen, (Mrs. G. R.,) Raphides and Plant Crystals, 159 ‘ eae . C.,) Guide to Derbyshire, (Review,) 806 Cremation, Ancient, 130 Cresswell, (A.,) on Railway Signalling, 339 Cristatella mucedo, 253 Crosskey, (H. W.,) Fossiliferous Clay at Wolverhampton, 293 Crosskey, (H. W.,) on Glacial Geology, 142 Crosskey, (H. W.,) on the Microscopical Examination of Clay, 328 Cryptozamic Society, 283 Crystals, (Plant,) aud Raphides, 159 CRA, 21, 81, 163, 198, 226, 227, 253, 254, 280, Cuckoo-pint or Lords and Ladies, 106 Cuttle Fish, Eggs of, 313 INDEX. 111 Darwin, {0-1 Degree of LL.D, Conferred on, 2 Darwin, (C.,) 165 Darwin, (Dr.,) and Prof, Owen, 50 Darwin, (Erasmus,) and his Works, 261 Davis, (J. W.,) and Lees (F. A.,) West Yorkshire, (Review.) 331 Day, (F.,) on Freshwater Fishes, 166 Beetle Head Moth andthe Spindle Tree, Deep Sea Dredgings in Indian Seas, 24 De Rance’s Superficial Geology of South- west Lancashire, 278 Derbyshire Botany, 283, 310, 336 Extinct Fauna, 63 Guide to, 306 Desmidiaces, 145 Diatomaceous material, 229 Digging Out a Boulder, 153 Dipping Tube, 229 Diptera, 139 Disease Germs, 109 Drawings under Microscope, 192 Dredging at Arran, 11 in the Atlantic, 44 Deep Sea, 24 Drift Deposits, (Glacial,) 26, 142, 181, 199, 242, 295, 304, 312, 338, 339 Drosera rotundifolia, 50 Dudley Caverns, 187 Excursion to, 186 and Midland Geological and Scien- tific Society and Field Club, 48 Ear of Man and other Vertebrates, 201 Earth, on the Relation of the Crust to the Interior of the, 216 Economic Mycology, 233 Editors’ Opening Address, 1 Edward, Thomas, 23, 1.6 Eggs, Side-blown, 227 of Cuttle Fish, 313 of Turtle, 313 Entomological Books for Beginners, 100 Clubs at London, 80 Society, 171 Entomologists, Wasted Energy of, 138 Entomology, 199, 256 a Collection of Economie, 81 Beetle, a curious, 22 Entomostraca, 16, 33, 116, 291 Entozoa, 57, 80, 97, 118, 209, 295, 326 Euonymus Europeeus, 199 Eurydice Squall, the, 135 Evolution, What it Teaches, 8 Exchange, 56, 143, 168, 204, 288, 340 Excursions of Field Clubs, 249 Excursion to the Bas Boulonnais, 229 to Dudley of the Midland Union of Natural History Societies, 186 Fauna of Isle of Man, 67, 90 Fauna, Flora, and Geology of the Midland Pannties, Plan for a Complete Account ol, Feathered Visitant, a, 106 Fenland, Geology of the, 304 Ferns, Abnormal, 5 —— How to Raise, 7 Hybrid, 52 (illust.,) 337 —— Remarks on Mr. Lowe’s Paper on, ee illust. 52, Mr. Lowe’s Reply, — Nottinghamshire, 308 Fertilisation of Flowers by Insects, 107 Field Club Excursions, 249 Field’s Improved Aneroid Barometer, 10 Fish Preserving, 80, 137 — Curious Case, “ Reparation” in a, 80 Fishes, Freshwater, 166 Flies Attracted by the Carrion-like Smell of the Arum, 138 Flora, Fauna and Geology of the Midland Counties, Plan for a Complete Account of, 78 Flora of Isle of Man, 67, 90 of Leicestershire, 21, 82 of Miller’s Dale, 336 of Napton, 281 of Northants, 258, 287, 288 Flowers: their Origin, Shapes, Perfumes, and Colours, 221 Fonvielle, (W. de,) Adventures in the Air, being Memorable Experiences of great Aeronauts, (Review,) 131 Foraminifera, 292, 298, 324 Forbes, (Prof. Edward,) and his Country, 67, 90 Forces, Natural, Utilisation of, 285 Forest of Dean, Trees, 260 Fossils, 53, 207, 208, 230, 292, 293, 315 Fossil Insects, 83 and Recent Cephalopoda, 166 Peronospora, 24 Plants of British Coal Measures, s Lecture on, 23 Fowl—Visit of Water- fowl, 49 Freshwater Algs, (illust.,) 113, 145, 189, 259 Freshwater Fishes, 166 Freshwater Life. I. Entomostraca, 16, 33 II. Rotifera, 94, 125 —_ ILI. Infusoria, 289, 320 See Alae, Pond Life, Rotifera Fries, Prof., Death of, 81 Fruit, How to make Casts of, 224 Fungi, 233, 283, 316, 336 Preserving, 79, 137 Garner, (Robert,) Professor Edward Forbes and his Country, 67, 90 Gases, Kinetic Theory of, 277 Gastropoda, 293 Geology, 26, 54, 142, 199, 200, 216, 229, 242, 255, 256, 257, 283, 300, 304, 306, 331, 338, 339 Boulder, Digging out, 153 Crust of Earth, Relation to Interior, 216 Extinct Fauna of Castleton, 63 Flora and Fauna of the Midland Counties, Plan for a Complete Account of, 78 Rugby, 207 Some New Features in the Geology of East Nottingham, 18, 30, 200 (illust,) 32 of the Fenland, 304 of Isle of Man, 67, 90 of Shropshire, 205, 255 of the Coasts of South-West Lan- cashire, 278 of West Yorkshire, 331 Geological and Geograptical Survey of the United States, 110 Geological Society, 171 Society’s Medal, Award of, 81 Survey Publications, 256 Excavations near Leicester, 107 Girth of Trees, 260, 288 Gleanings, 23, 53, 81, 109,140, 164, 200, 229, 255, 283, 311, 337 HT TE TE iv INDEX. Gloncestershire, Kempley Church, 265 Glacial Drift Deposits, 26, 142,181, 199, 242, 295, 304, 312, 338, 339 Drift Map, 204 : Gore. /G.,) The Art of Scientific Discovery, 837 Granite, Mountsorrel, 154 Greenwell, (Ww.,) British (Review ) 128 Grensted. (F. F.,) A Piece of Chalk, 324 Grove, (W. B.,) Scientific Names. I. Form. 121, 149, 336, Hybrid Ferns, (illust.,) 52, o Barrows, Birmingham Saturday Half- Holiday, 225 Gull, Black-backed, 49 Harebell, the, with White Flowers, 106, 135, 308 Harrison, (W. J.,) A Scheme for the Exam- ination of the Glacial Deposits of the Midland Counties of England, 181, 242 Note on, 312 Harrison,(W. J.,) Digging Out a Boulder, 153 Harrison, (W. J.,) On an Improved Aneroid Barometer, 8 Harrison, (W J.,) Rainwash, 278 Harrison, (W. J.,) The Rainfall of 1877, 39 Harrison, (W.J.,) The Weather of January, 1878, 73; Febraary, 102; March, 133; April, 161; May. 196; June, 219; July, 251; August, 275; September, 306; October, 333 Helix cantiana, 21, 50, 223 caperata, 309 lapicida, 309 Hemiptera, 139 Hepatic, British, 140 Herefordshire Pomona, 141, 311, 337 Keview, 330 Herrings and Carp interbreeding, 166 Hewitson, (W. C.,) Death of, 256 Hinds, (Wm.,) The Chlorophyll-Body and its Relation to Starch, 37 Holiday (Half) Guide 225 Hollybush Sandstone, 208 Hughes, (W. R.,) on Marine Zoology at Arran, 11 Hughes, (W. R.,) The Ray and Palzonto- graphical Societies: an Appeal, 70 Hybridisation, 338 Hybrid Fern, (illust.,) 52, 337 Hydatina senta, 108 Hypsometer, the, 9 Tiford Fossils, 53 Immersion Paraboloid, 22 Infusoria, 289, 321 Dipping Tube for, 229 Inscriptions, (Roman,) 230, 312 Insects, Fertilisation of Flowers by, 107 Fossil, 83 Insectivorous Plant, an, 106, 138 Isie of Man, Marine Zoology and Botany of ,67, 90 —— Mollusca of, 92 — (Dr. Prescott,) Granted a Pension, Juncus filiformis, 199 Junior Members, Suggestion, 808 Kempley Church, 265 Keuper Rocks, 18, (illust.) 30, 54 Kinetic Theory of Gases, 277 Kirby (Mr.) and the “ Holstone,” 154, 155 Knight, (T. A.,) Duration of Plant Life, 330 Knowledge, Meaning of, 79, 107 Lamprey, large, 203 Lancashire, Geology of, 278, 304 Lancaster, (W.J.,) the Microphone, Magna- phone, ‘Phonoscope, and Phoneido- scope, 187 Lankester, (E. Ray,) Note on Mr. Bolton’s Studio, 141 : La Touche, (J. D.,) Naturalist Field Club Excursions, 249 Leaves, do they Absorb Water, 337 Leeds, Yorkshire College, Bequest to, 229 Leicester, Excavations near, 107 _ Literary and Philosophical Society, 9 . 29 Leicestershire Flora, 21, 82 Lepidoptera, 13>, 138, 253, 277, 284 and their Captors in the Midland Counties, 14 Library, the Birmingham, 311 Lichens, 140, rare, 259 Limestone. Borings in, 309 Carboniferous, 273, 332 Limnea truncatula and L. peregra, 50 Linnean Society, a Meeting of the, 50 Linnet, the, 198 Locusts, 283 London Notes, 2%, 59, 108 Longe, (F. D.,) On the Relation of the Crust to the Interior of the Earth, 216 Lowe, (E, J.,) on Abnormal Ferns, 5 Lye Cross Coal Pit, 187 Magnophone, the, 187,226 Magpie, 21, 81 Mallards, Tame-bred, 201 Malvern, Sunken Rocks, 217 Dictyonema Beds at, 207 —— Excursion'to, 204, 284 Holiybush Sandstone at, 208 Mammoth, 255 Man, Parasites of, 57, 97,118, 209, 295, 326 Pre-Glacial, 226 Map of Glacial Drift, 204 Marine Fixcursions, 11, 174, 284, 313 Zoology at Arran, 11 sia: of the Isle of Man ‘, Marshall, (W. P.,) the Birmingham Aquarium, 85 May, 1878, very wet, 198 Meaning of Knowledge, 79, 107 Science, the, 29 Melicerta pilula, 202, 302,314 ringens, 76, 79, 101,245, 274 tyro, 116 Mesocarpus sealaris, (illust.,) 189 Meteor of November 23rd, 1877, 53 of April 2nd, 1878, 163 Meteors and Meteorites, 168 Meteorological Observations at Oxford, 110 Meteorology of the Midlands, 39, 73, 102, 133, 161, 196, 219, 251, 275, 306, 333 and the Yimes, 53 Micrasterias rotata, (illust.,) 118, 145 Microphone, the, 187 Microscope, Mounting Specimens for, 49 Appliance for Examining Small Organisms in Water, 201 —— Drawings to Scale, 192 —— Revolving Table, 335 INDEX. v Microscopic Trap for a Rover, 108 Microscopical Examination of Clay, 328 (Postal) Society, 248, 107 Microscopists’ and Naturalists’ Studio, 141, 283 Microscopy, 339 Compressorium, 335 Dark Back-ground Illumination, 335 Microzoa in Boulder Clay, 292 Middleton, (J. Henry,) Kempley Church, Gloucestershire, 265 “ Midland Naturalist,” Cover of, described, 25 Resolutions respecting, 28 Midland Union of Natural History Bocie- ties—Origin of, 1; Objects of, 2; Societies in, 3, 83, 140, 178, 312 Annual Meeting at Birmingham, 144, 169 Bye-Laws of, 180 Conversazione, 181 Council's Report, 178 Excursion to Dudley, 186 President's Address, 169 Proposed Increase of Subscription, 170, 180, 228 Mildness of the Season, 49, 77, 105, 106 Milestone, Roman, 312 Miller’s Dale Fiora, 310, 336 Mines and Caverns at Castleton, 64 Mirage at Redcar, 254 Miscodera arctica, 202 Mollusca of the Isle of Man, 92 Mollusks—Limne@a truncatula and JZ. peregra, 50 Helix Cantiana, 21, 50, 323 H, lapicida, 309 H. rufescens, 323 Morris, (J. G.,) Economic Mycology, 233 Moss Catalogue, 163 Habitats, 271, 318 Mosses, 59, 60, 136, (illust.,) 193, 213, 271, 313, 316,318, 337 Illustration of Structure, 193 Mott, (F. T.,) the Meaning of Science, 29 — Notes on, 79, 107 Mott, (F.T.,) History of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, 299 Mounting Specimens tor the Microscope, 49 Mountsorreil Granite, 154 Mural Paintings, Kempley Church, 265 Murray, (Andrew,) Collection of Economic Entomology, 81 Mycology, 79, 137, 233 TIT | Names, Scientific, 121, 149, 336 Napton, Flora of, 281 Naturalist, an Artizan, 310 Naturalist Field Club Excursions, 249 Naturalists, Suggestion for, 21 and Microscopists’ Studio, 141 Natural Forces, Utilisation of, 285 Natural Science at Universities, 312 Nectaries and Cross Fertilisation, 107 Nematoda, 210, 296, 327 Neolithic and Bronze Periods, 128 Nest of Sparrow, 21 Nichol’s History of Leicestershire, 153, 154 Nottinghamshire Conchology, 50, 309 Northants, Flora of, 258, 287, 288 Nottinghamshire Ferns, 303 Nottingham, (East,) Geology of, 18, 30, 200 Oak, the Royal, at Boscobel 259 282 Objects (Living) for the Microscope, 141 Gcistes anacharis, 202 longipes, (illust.,) 317 pilula, 202, 314, 302, (illust.,) 317 Gidogonium, (illust.,) 145, 147 Old Cross, the, 165 Oldham, (Thos.,) Death of, 283 Ophiolepis Damesii, 220 Organised Work for Scientific Societies, 78, 199, 226, 242 Origin of Species, 8, 263 Ornithological Notes, 227, 337 Orthotrichum leiocarpum, 136 Ostracoda, 17, 33 Oven, Prof., and Dr. Darwin, 50 Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory, 110 Honours in Biology, 312 Painter, (W. H.,) Castleton: Its Extinct Fauna and Physical Surroundings, 63 Paleolithic Implements, 226 Paizontographical and Ray Societies: an Appeal, 70, 171 Paleuzoie Rocks, 26, 54 of the Isle of Man, 68 Palmellacee, 145 Paraboloid, Immersion, 2 22 Parasites of Man, 57, 97, 118, 209, 295, 327 Parasitic Worm Infesting the Air Sinuses of the Weasel, 139 Parasitical Fungi, 237 Paris Exbibition, 201 Passages from Popular Lectures, by F. T. Mott. 1. The Meaning of Science, 29 Pennington (Rooke) Review of Greenwell’s British Barrows, 128 Fennineton, (Rooke,) Windy Knoll Quarry, Peronospora, Fossil, 24 Petasites vulgaris, 136 Pheasant and Pike, 136 Phenological Observations, 82 Phoneidoscope, the, 187 Phonograph, the, 24 Phonoscope, the, 187 Photography Applied to Meteorological Observations, 110 Phyliopoda, 17, 36 Phytologia, Darwin’s, 262 Pike, a Hump-backed, 80 AUB CRING a Wounded Pheasant, 1 Plant and Animal Life, Analogies of, 111 Crystuls and Raphides, 159 Life, Freshwater, 113, 145, 189 List for Derbyshire, 283 On the Flowering of, 82, 221 in Bloom, Jan., 1878, 77 Dec, 1877, 49 Double Flow ered, 137 Climbing, 164 White Varieties of, 106, 135, 136, 163, 164, 98, 308 Plumatella repens, 270 Polyzoa, 253, 270 Pomona, the Herefordshire, 141, 311, 330, 337 Pond, a Productive, 76, 101, 269 Pond Life, 16, 33, 5u, 76, 79, 94, 101, 108, 125, 141, 245, 255, 269, 274, 289, 320 See Freshwater Life, Alg@ Poduras, 108 Pre-Glacial Man, 226 Preserving Fish, 80, 137 Fungi, 79, 137 Primros°s, Deformed, 137 a Primula vulgaris, various Colours, 163 Printing, Autographic, 132, 165 9 Propagation of Melicerta ringens 1n aD Aquarium, 274 Protococcus, (illust.,) 113 Prunella vulgaris, White, 136, 163, 164 Pumpbrey’s Autographic Printing, (illust.) 132, 165 Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford, 110 Ragged Robin, White, 198 d Railway Signalling, Automatic, 339 Rainfall of 1877, 39, 230 at Wolverhampton, 102 Rain-wash, 273 Rance, (C. BE. de,) Superficial Geology, South-west Lancashire, (Review,) 278 Ranunculus, Nectaries of, 107 Raphides and Plant Crystals, 159 Rat, Story of a, 136 Ray Society, 171, 216, 251 D and Palseontographical Societies : An Appeal, 70 Redpoll, the, 198, 227 Reindeer in the Midlands, 255 Reparation, a Curious Case of, 80 Reports of Societies. See Societies. Reviews: Adventures in the Air, 131 3 British Barrows: a Record of Sepul- chral Mounds, 128 ; Flowers: their Origin, Shapes, Per- fumes, and Colours, 221 Geology of the Fenland, 304 Notes of Lessons on Elementary Botany, 105, 141 Practical Taxidermy, 222 Proceedings of the Birmingham Philo- sophical Society, 277 Report of Kugby School History Society, 224 Report of the Burton-upon-Trent Natural History Society, 305 Superficial Geology of the Country adjoining the Coasts of South-west Lancashire, 278 The Birmingham Holiday Guide, 225 The Herefordshire Pomona, 330 The Old Cross Magazine, 165 The Voyage of the Challenger, 44 Tourists’ Guide to Derbyshire, 306 West Yorkshire—Geology, &c., ot, 331 Revolv ng Table for Microscope, 335 Rhetic Fossils, 230 Robson, (George,) The Artizan Naturalist, 310 Note on, 336 Rocks, Carboniferous, of West Yorkshire, uB4 Cambrian (Upper) Fossils, 208 (Limestone ) Borings in, 309 Malvern, 217 Paleozoic, 26, 54 The Charnwood, 153 Tremadoc and Pre-T'remadoc, 205 Triass ¢c, 18 Roman Milestone, 312 Villa Excavated in Surrey, 229 Inscription, 230, 812 Rosa, Genus of, in Warwickshire, 41, 281 Rosa latebrosa, 280 Rotation, the Direction of, 163 Kotifer, Note on a Thecated, 317 Rotifera, 50, 79, 94, 101, 108, 116, 125, 202, 2A7, 269, 276, 802, 313, 314, 317, 335 Sk Natural Saturday Half- vi INDEX. Royal Oak, at Boscobel, 259, 282 Royal Society’s Bakerian Lecture, 23 Medals, 23, 337 Rubi, Notes on, 140 Rugby School Natural History Society, Report of, (Review,) 224 Salamander, 166 Samian Ware, 230 Sea, Dredging at Arran, i1 Dredgings, the Atlantic, 44 Indian Seas, 24 Sepulchral Mounds, 128 Scheme for Examination of Glacial Deposits, 242 Science and Art Department Lectures, 229 Science, the Meaning of, 29 the Study of, 278, 285, 312 Scientifle Books, Classification, 311 Discovery, the Art of, 337 Names, 121, 149, 295, 386 Societies, Organised Work for, 78, 199, 226, 242, 249 Terms, on Accuracy in the Use of, 51 Reply to, 79 Self-heal, White, 136, 163 Sharks at Westminster, 23 Shineton Shales, 206 Shipman, (J.,,.On Some New Features in he Geology of Hast Nottingham, 18, 30, Shone, (W.,) How we Found Microzoa in the Boulder Clays of Cheshire, 292 Shropshire Fossils, 208 Geology of, 205, 255 Signalling, Automatic, Railways, 339 Siphonacese, 147 Skertchley, (S. B. J.,) Geology of the Fen Lands, (Review,) 304. Silver Pennies, (illust.,) 158 Smith, (E.,) On Freshwater Life. I. Ento- mostraca, 16, 33. II. Rotifera, 94, 125. III. Intusoria, 289, 320 Smith, (W. G.,) ‘Our Cover,” 25 Smithsonian Institute, Report, 54 Snipe Breeding, 253 mere in Midland Union, 3, 83, 140, 178 31% Dudley and Midland Geological and Scientitie Society and Field Club, History of, 48 Reports of: Barrow-in-Furness Naturalists’ Field Club, 201 Birmingham and Midland Institute Selene Society, 83, 111, 230, 285, 315, 38 Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society, 26, 55, 83, 111, 142, 165, 201, 231, 284, 313, 338 Birmingham Philosophical Society, Proceedings of, 141 Birminghtuim School Natural History Society, 286 Burton-upon-Trent Natural History and Archeological Society, 27, 111, 142, 202, 231, 256, 286,305, 339 Caradoc Field Club, 111, 257, 286, 315 Cheltenham Natural Science Society, 55, 111, 166, 203, 315 Derbyshire Naturalists’ Society, 166 Dudiey and Midland Geological and Scientific Society and Field Club, 48, 167, 257, 286 Evesham Field Naturalists’ Club, 111, 167, 203, 231, 257, 287, 339 INDEX. vil Societies, Reports of : cresiogiont Society, Annual Meeting of, Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society, 299 London (West) Entomological Society, 56, 82, 110, 143, 168 Northampton Naturalists’ Society, 55, 258, 287 Nottingham Literary and Philoso- phical Society, (Natural Science Section,) 27, 84, 112, 142, 167, 203, 222, 315, 339 Nottingham Naturalists’ Society, 27, 55, 84, 112, 142, 168, 203, 316, 339 Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists’ Field Club, 27, 168, 203, 232, 258 Peterborough Natural History and Scientific Society, 232, 288 Postal Microscopical Society. 28, 107 Rugby School Natural History Society, 84, 112, 224, 340 Severn Valley Naturalists’ Field Club, 84, 204, 258 Shropshire Archeological and Natural History Society, 259 Stroud Natural History Society, 27, 55, 112, 142, 316, 340 Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society, 28, 55, 84, 112, 143, 168, 260, 288 Warwickshire Field Club, 204 Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club, 168, 232, 260, 288, 316 Yorkshire Geological and Polytechnic Society, 143 Sparrow, (Nest of,) 21 White, 311 Sparrows, (Crusade against,) 201 Spheeraphides, 159 Sphagnacew Braithwaites’, 337 Spaeenum auriculatum and contortum, Spiculesof Sponges, 26 ppludl Tree and the Death’s Head Moth, Spirogyra angularis, inflatum,neglecta, and Woodsii, (illust.,) 189 Sponges, Spicules of, 26 Spurious Antiquities, 226 Starch, Chlorophyll and its Relation to, Staurocarpus gracilis, (illust.,) 189 Sturgeon, 200 Sundial, Motto for, 231 Surrey, Roman Villa Excayated in, 229 Sutton Park, 115 Swallows, Early, 136, 163 Sympiesometer, the, 9 Synalissa picina, 259 Table, Revolving, for Microscope, 335 Tait, Lawson, Letter from, 228 Tamworth Treasure Trove, 155 Taxidermy, Practical, 137, 140, 222, 297 Taylor, (J. E.,) Flowers: their Origin, Shapes, Perfumes, and Colours, (Review,) 221 Telephone, the, 24 Teratology, 251 Testacella Maugei, 309 Tetraspora lubrica, (illust.,) 113 Vhatcher, (OC. R.,) Death of, 337 Thermometer, the Vacuum Solar, Radia- tion, 110 Thirlmere, 199 Thomson, (Sir C. Wyville,) The Voyage of the Challenger, (Review,) 44 Thornewill, Rev. C. F., on Lepidoptera and their Captors in the Midland Counties, 14 Thunderstorm, Described, 310 Times, The, and Meteorology, 53 Tonks, Edmund, Inaugural Address, at the First Annua] Meeting in Birming- ham of the Midland Union of Natural History Society, 169 Tortoise, Eggs of, 313 Toxic Matter Connected with Typhoid, 109 Trap, a Microscopic, for a Rover, 108 Treasure Trove at Tamworth, 155 Trees, Girth of, 260, 288 Tremadoc and Pre-Tremadoc Rocks, 205 Trematoda, 57 Tube, Dipping, 229 Twigg, (G. H.,) on Study of Science, 285 Tye, (G. Sherriff,) on Helix Cantiana, 323 Tyndall, (Prof.,) as a Lecturer, 22 Typhoid, the Detection of Toxic Matter Connected with, 109 United States Survey, 110 Universities, Biology at, 312 Upper Cambrian Fossils, 208 Urococeus sp. ? (illust.,) 113 Utricularia, 314 Vaucheria ornithocephala and V. race- mosa, (illust.,) 145 Volcanoes, the Phenomena of, 217 Volvocinesxs, 145 Volvox globator, 50, 101, 116 and Conochilus volvox, 50, 101 Voyage of the Challenger, 44 Warwickshire, Distribution of the Genus. Rosa in, 41, 281 Drawings and Photographs, 185, 186 Water-fowl, 49 Waterton, (C.,)177 Weasel, Common, Infesting the, 139 Weather, the, of Christmas, 1877, 49 January, 1878. 73, 77 ; February, 102 March, 133; April, 161; May, 196; June, 219; July, 281; August, 275; September, 306; October, 333 Well-boring at Norfolk, 256 White varieties of Plants, 106, 135, 136, 163, 164, 198, 308 Wills, (A. W.,) Freshwater Alga, (illust.,) 113, 1438, 189 Note on a Thecated Rotifer from Sutton Park, 317 on Gicistes pilula, 302 Wilson, (Wright,) Practical Taxidermy, (Review,) 222. Parasitic Worm in Weasel, 139 Winter of 1877-8, Mildness of, 49, 104 Winter, (1878,) Signs of Early, 337 Winter’s Ramble, a, 77 Wolverhampton, Rainfall at, 102 Wollaston Gold Medal, Award of, 81 Wollaston, Thomas Vernon, Death of, 82 Woodcock, 280 a Parasitio Worn Vill INDEX. Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club, 233, 250, Zonites excavatus, 21 283 Zoological Society, 24, 171 and the Herefordshire Pomona, 141, Zoology, Marine, at Arran, 11 311, 330 and Botany, Marine, of the Isle of Worm Parasitic in Weasel, 139 Man, 67, 90 Wren, Gold-crested, 227 Zoonomia, Darwin’s, 261 Wryneck, the, 136 Zootomy, (Professor Huxley,) 53 Zygnemacee, (illust.,) 189 Zygodon, 195 Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union, 180 West, Geology, &c., of, (Review,) 331 1878, BIRMINGHAM! PRINTED AT THE MIDLAND COUNTIES HERALD OFFICES, THE MIDLAND NATURALIST. ““Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher.” Wordsworth. OPENING ADDRESS. The first idea of a Midland Union of Natural History Societies dates back about four years. Harly in 1874 the Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society held a very successful soiree, in which the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society took part. That meeting was im every way so satisfactory, and gave such proots of the value of co-operation, that many who attended it expressed a desire for more instances of a like kind. Mr. W. G. Blatch, the then Honorary Secretary of the Birmingham Society, suggested that an Annual Congress should be held, and proposed the combination, in some way, of our Local Natural History Societies, Although the suggestion was favourably received and formed the subject of frequent conversations, and although it was generally admitted that an association of the kind could scarcely fail to be attended with valuable results, no practical step was immediately taken. It was not till the 17th August, 1876, that anything definite was done. To set it, we obtain the temperature of the air, by means of a small whirling thermometer, (thermometre fronde,) which is slung round the head by a cord, thus giving true shade temperature even under the direct rays of the sun; but this is really hardly necessary, as if it be set approximately within 5° TF’. a nearly correct result wi be obtained. ale The following instances may be taken as a fuir test of the accuracy and simplicity of this aneroid :— . ls mar August 18th, 1877. Temperature of air, 65° F., and anal set. accordingly. se vd Feet. aypirias Journey to Derby.—Reading at Leicester Museum ...... 2,167 > 4] Town Hall, Derby ......) 2,092 (tv Difference 5. ce ANEROID BAROMETER. jl Journey from Derby.—Reading at Town Hall, Derby.... 2,100 Bi Leicester Museum ...... 2,185 UPittereMnce was atone 85 2)160 Average difference .. BOft. Now, the true difference of the heights of these two points, according to the Ordnance Survey, is 78ft., the Leicester Museum being 237ft., and the Town’ Hall, Derby, 159ft. above mean or half-tide sea level at Liverpool, the error in determination being 2ft. only. September 5th, 1877.°* Temperature 60° F. Rene, teh iteirolaVis cgcwol atts Adgsi choise bestia sts foe oe: Oe a2s..8 gag a 1,725 Reading on top of Bardon Hill.... © 2,395 Difference... fees ues 670 Journey from Charnwood.—Reading on top ot Bardon Hill 2,400 a Leicester Museum... 1,736 Diiference}....° —— 664 2)1,334 Average difference...;. 667ft. Adding this difference of 667ft. to the known height of the Museum above the sea (237ft.,) we get 904ft. as the height of Pardon Hill, while the height obtained by levelling is 9U2ft. MA BIND Z.00T OGY) AT ARRAN. BY W. R. HUGHES, ESQ., F.L.S. In the early autumn of 1873 upwards of twenty members of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society ventured upon a marine excursion at Teignmouth, on the south coast of Devon. The weather in a somewhat rainy year proved very fine, consequently dredging was pursued daily on board the yacht ‘‘ Ruby,” hired for the purpose, and there were regular botanical and geological excursions in the neighbourhood for those who were minded to go, as well as a special excursion to Kent’s Cavern. Upwards of a week was thus passed pleasurably and profitably, many interesting forms of marine life being taken. On the whole the experiment gave such general satisfaction that it was determined to repeat it this year (1877) on a more extended scale, and in a locality which should, as far as possible, offer a decided contrast to that previously visited. The Island of Arran was selected, and the results were equally satisfactory. About twenty members— ladies and gentlemen—formed the party; the arrangements were left to a small Sub-Committee, and, as the number of members was sufficiently large, very favourable terms were granted by the Midland Railway Com- pany, and the luxury of a Pullman Sleeping Car was indulged in at a moderate expense. A small sum—about a sovereign—was contributed by each member to a common fund, and thus a boat for dredging, or a carriage for land excursions, was at the service of the members daily as they felt inclined. An admirable general account of the proceedings having already been given * by one whose kindly disposition and richly- * “Birmingham Natural History fSociety. Excursion to Arran.’—Birmingham Daily Post, Monday, sept. 10th, 1877. 12 MARINE ZOOLOGY. stored mind dil much to ald to the social geniality of the party, it is thought that a record of the Dredgings may not be uninteresting here, accompanied by some suggestions for another excursion during 1878. When we arrived at ‘the Island of the Many Peaks,” much difficulty was experienced in obtaining a suitable boat, but eventually we made arrangements with the ‘Cutty Sark,” a herring smack, and the “ Mona,” a small yacht, both of which did the work very well. The Dredgings, which commenced at the neap tides succeeding the August full moon, were carried-on for a week principally in Lamlash Bay, but we had several good hauls both in the Bays of Brodick and, Drumadoon, The depths did not exceed about twenty-five or thirty fathoms, and thus it was not found necessary to take temperatures, although we had pro- vided ourselves with one of Neégretti and Zambra’s ‘Deep Sea Thermometers,” in addition to the ‘Miller Casella” which we used before, both of which worked well,.. The results were officially reported to the Society on our return by Dr. Marshall and the writer, at a General Meeting, held on the 18th September last. Mr. John Morley, the Hon. Sec., also alluded to the Botanical excursions which were made under his guidance, and that of the President, Mr, Edmund Tonks, B.C.L, On the present occasion it is not, therefore, proposed to give more than a brief account of the more interesting forms of marine life taken. The ground which we went over has long been a favourite spot with marine naturalists. Among others of eminence who had been there, we were informed that the late Dr. Landsborough had, with Major Martin, dredged the locality for five years. Our hopes of taking any novelty were not therefore very great. Nevertheless, on referring to the lists in the chapter on Marine Zoology in Dr. Bryce’s book, “Arran and other Clyde Islands,” (4th edition, 1872.) a charming volume, which should be in the hands of all naturalists visiting the Island, we have reason to believe that two forms, Thyone and Elysia—to be hereafter referred to—have been added by us to the local fauna, ‘The distribution of marine life was extremely local. | Within a few yards each haul of the dvedge usually brought up an entirely different series of animals. Sometimes these consisted of the rosy feather star—sometimes of brittle stars—another haul would contain Pectens only—another the nest-building bivalve, Lima hians—another the common. egg urchin Echinus sphera—another yielded four beautiful specimens of Prideanx’s Hermit crab, (Pagurus Prideauxii,) with its ‘‘commensal,” the Cloaklet anemone (Adamsia palliata )—another would be of Melobesia calcarea, & curious coralline, largely composed of calcareous matter, prettily coloured purple or pink when living, but speedily becoming white after taken from the sea. Sometimes the dredge would contain nothing but mud or sand —to the great disappointment of the dredgers—and on one. occasion a common wine bottle came up. It was brought from about twenty- five fathoms, was unbroken, full of sand, and covered with specimens of Polyzoa and Hydrozoa. As at Teignmouth, in the year 1873, we were too late to observe the developmental processes in the Hydrozoa; but it was an interesting fact that, although in point of date we were synchronous with the Teignmouth excursion, when we took several stalked forms. of the rosy feather star, (Antedon (Comatula) rosaceus,) not a single specimen | was obtained in Lamlash Bay, although every frond of Laminaria dredged was diligently searched. Numbers of the adult form were taken in many varying shades of richness of colour. On the whole, our best prizes were in Echinodermata and Mollusca, but there were several objects of interest in other classes. For instance, in Porifera we took specimens of the little calcareous sponges, Grantia compressa and G. ciliata ; in Zoophyta, a fine mass of Antennularia ramosa; but with the exception of the four beautiful specimens of the Cloaklet anemone, (Adamsia palliata,) before alluded to, no other anemones of interest were dredged, nor any corals. MARINE ZOOLOGY. 13 ON In Echinodermata, what immediately struck us on our first hauls of the dredge in Brodick Bay, and again and again in Lamlash Bay, was the gorgeous colour displayed by the lovely star fish, Goniaster Templetoni (Templeton’s cushion star.) It was of bright scarlet above, varied with cloudy whitish markings, and of straw-colour beneath. When living there is a peculiar viscosity about the animal—the colour soon fades in confinement. But the brilliant colour of this star fish, as well as that of others of the class, served to dispel the popular notion, in those of us whose experience had been limited to a southern fauna, that as one proceeds northward colour diminishes in -intensity. The following is a list of the Echinoderms :—Antedon rosaceus (the rosy feather star)— many specimens in the free or adult form, taken off Holy Island. In brittle and sand stars we took numerous specimens of Ophiocoma bellis, O. granulata, and O. rosula; also Ophiura texturata, Uraster glacialis, (the spiny cross-fish,) and U. rubens, (the common cross-fish,) the former very fine specimens—the latter in many instances renewing lost parts... Cribella rosea, (the rosy cribella,) one specimen, (two only are recorded in ‘* Bryce ;”) Solaster endeca, (the purple sun star,) one specimen only, (of this beautiful star fish only oneis recorded in ‘“ Bryce :”) S. papposa, the common sun star, several specimens. Goniaster Templetoni (Templeton’s cushion star) was taken numerously, and was most interest- ing, as indicating the connection—as the late Professor Ed. Forbes pointed out—between the true Asteriade and the Echinide, both in the general form and the shape of its spines. Asterias aurantiaca (the Butthorn) was represented by one specimen. Echinus sphera (the common Egg Urchin) was taken plentifully ; and a few specimens of Echinus miliaris (the purple-tipped Sea Urchin). Echinocyamus pusillus, (the green-pea urchin,) one specimen only. Holothuriade were notably absent, if we except a solitary ‘specimen of Thyone papillosa, (the common Thyone.) This, which -is not in the local list, was most valuable, as showing the passage of the class towards the Annelida. The linear arrangement of the suckers peculiar to the class is, in this genus, replaced by a diffused series spreading over the whole extent of the body. In Annelida our principal capture was Nemertes Borlasii, so graphically described by the late Rev. Chas. Kingsley. Crustacea were represented by about twelve species, in which Stenorynchus and Inaches were conspicuous; all are referred to in the local list. In Polyzoa we took Salicornaria farciminoides, (alive,) but in this class the specimens were not very numerous—nor were those of the Tunicata. In the class Mollusca, many specimens were taken which space will prevent recording. The most noteworthy (taken alive) were Lima hians, Scaphander lignarius, Dentalium entalis, and Aporrhais pes-pelicani. All these greatly interested us, but especially Lima hians. Several “nests” of this remarkable bi-valve were taken, in each case tenanted only by a single individual. The “nests” themselves consisted of comminuted shells, stones, &c., formed into a matted cluster by their byssal threads. When the animals were removed and placed in a vessel of sea water, their great beauty was apparent—some of the tentacles which had become detached remained apparently alive for some hours afterwards, twisting about like small earth worms. In the Nudibranchiata we dredged a single specimen of Elysia viridis—not recorded in ‘‘ Bryce.” This animal is exceedingly interesting, as belonging to the order Pellibranchiata, wherein the respiratory function is effected by the whole surface of the body, which is clothed with vibratile cilia. In the class Pisces, which terminates the collection, our most interesting finds were a few specimens of both the pretty little sucking fishes, Lepidogaster bimaculatus and L. Cornu- biensis. They were very small, and the colours were not very well marked. I expect they were immature specimens. One, which was unfortunately lost, exhibited markings of a beautiful pale green colour, 14 : MARINE ZOOLOGY. and differed in some other minor respects from the normal conditions of the species. In the evenings, after our day’s work was done, the examination and comparison of our captures afforded great interest to the members ; and Dr. Marshall, Professor Keeping, and Mr. Chas. Pumphrey were indefati- gable with their microscopes, and exhibited and explained peculiarities of structure and pointed out analogies and affinities. Such of the specimens as were not required were returned to the sea, and the remainder were put up in spirits and preserved, as.a nucleus for our museum. If, as seems probable, another excursion is organised during this year, it would be desirable, for those interested, to give in their names soon to Mr. John Morley, the Hon. Sec. of the Society, Sherborne Road, Birmingham, so that a meeting may be held in the early spring, and plans determined accordingly. If it is possible to arrange for a week in the month of June, or not later than the first week in July, opportunities would be afforded for the examination of many most interesting forms of marine life in the larval condition, not to be found in the autumn. It is suggested, that if a small steam launch could be chartered for a week, much time would be saved, and dredging might be attempted in deeper water than hitherto. In fact, more work could be done, and it would be done in a better manner. A trawl similar to that which Sir Wyville Thomson states proved so serviceable in the Challenger Expedition might be used as well as the dredge and the towing net. Some shore collecting might also be undertaken with advantage. LEPIDOPTERA AND THEIR CAPTORS IN THE MIDLAND COUNTIES. BY THE REV. C. F. THORNEWILL, M.A. The Lepidoptera of the Midland district have not hitherto received the same amount of attention which has been bestowed upon the same class in other parts of England. It is true that some of the greatest names among practical entomologists are to be found among the midland collectors. The name of the Rey. Joseph Greene must always command respect as that of the great authority on, and almost inventor of, pupa- digging ; while another brother of the cloth, the Rev. H. H. Crewe, stands unrivalled in his practical knowledge of the puzzling genus Eupithecia. And another midland naturalist, Mr. Edwin Brown, of Burton, whose collections have lately been dispersed in consequence of his lamented death, stood equally high with either of the above-named for general acquaintance not only with the Lepidoptera, but with Coleoptera, Diptera, and indeed almost eyery family of the multitudinous race of insects. It is not,then, for want of able and experienced collectors that this district stands below some others, as for example the London, New Forest, and Devonshire districts, from the Lepidopterist’s point of view. Noragain isit for want of sufficientmaterial to work upon. The midland counties include, indeed, many purely manufacturing neighbourhoods, where it is hardly to be expected that Lepidoptera should flourish, (though, for the matter of that, one enthusiastic collector pursues his avocations with great success within a very short distance of the Staffordshire Potteries ) LEPIDOPTERA AND THEIR CAPTORS. 15 but it includes likewise some localities which have been, and are likely to remain, amongst the best hunting grounds in England. Cannock Chase, the grand habitat of G. ilicifolia, is rapidly disappearing from the list of these localities; but Sherwood, Needwood, and Charnwood Forests still remain to delight the heart and furnish the cabinet of the ardent collector; and the Peak of Derbyshire, with its extensive moors, deep dales, and purling streams, has as yet been very little explored by entomologists. It is quite within the range of possibility that many new habitats, as well as species new to the district, may be discovered by midland collectors, if only they will travel a little out of the beaten tracks, and hunt for themselves, instead of following altogether in the steps of others. There is no assignable reason why the grand ‘‘ catch” named above—G. ilicifolia—should not be found on the moors of North Derbyshire, or why C. bicuspis should be regarded as almost confined to the neighbourhood of Burton-on-Trent. The writer of the present article, during a sojourn of about ten days in the Peak in June, 1877, took forty-five different species of Macro-Lepidoptera, some, of course, common enough, but others quite sufficiently good to be worth having in any collection; and this, too, within a very limited extent of country. Nor should it be forgotten that considerably more than half the larve of A. alni, recorded in the ‘‘ Entomologist” as having been taken during the autumn of last year, were secured by midland entomologists, the Rev. T. W. Daltry, of Madeley, having taken no less than seven, the Rev. H. A. Stowell, of Breadsall, three, and six or seven others (including the present writer) one each. What is principally needed, in order to secure an efficient and systematic working of the district, is something like union and inter-communication among workers in the same field, which should convert them from a body of irregular skirmishers into an organized army. ‘There are plenty of individual collectors, first-rate localities, and ample materials to work upon. Almost every sub-division of the midland district possesses a Natural History Society, numbering its: members from tens up to hundreds. But out of these many—to speak mildly—take but little interest in any branch of natural history, while far more devote their attention to other portions of the study, and the students of Lepidoptera are (generally speaking) few and far between. Even such a society as the North Staffordshire, with its 300 members, reports that in the matter of entomology its ‘entire work for a year has been done by a single individual. Tt is hoped, then, that the establishment of the Midland Naturalists’ Union, with its annual gatherings, its combined excursions, and— last but not least—its monthly organ in the press, may contribute powerfully towards the existence of a more satisfactory state of things in this, as in all other branches of Natural History. Observers will become cognizant of each other’s existence and particular line of study ; they will haye the opportunity of meeting from time to time on the field or in the annual gathering, and exchanging—as naturalists love to do—experiences of the past, and hints for the future; and many observations, which otherwise might have never seen the light, upon the habits and characteristics of different species, will be per- manently recorded for the benefit of collectors and students in general. When we consider how many discoveries have been made, with relation to the habits of our moths and butterflies, during the last few years, and when, too, we find (as we may easily do by the perusal of any standard work upon the subject) how much yet remains to be discovered, it becomes pretty clear that there lies before the entomologists of the midland district an extensive field, upon which they have only to enter to reap a rich harvest of laurels for themselves, and—what is of far more importance—of useful information for all lovers of animated nature. 16 LEPIDOPTERA AND THEIR CAPTORS. The president of a certain Natural History Society, in one of the southern counties, remarked the other day, in the course of his annual address, that his society ‘“‘had exhausted the district!” The accuracy of his remark may reasonably be doubted. But certainly no such opinion could be expressed with regard to this part of the country. Even among the Macro-Lepidoptera, there are several of our local rarities whose ‘ life- history” still remains to be written. The earlier stages of G. ilicifolia, if known at all, are so only to a privileged few. A. niveus, in spite of the labours of Mr. Brown and others, remains to a great extent a puzzle. D. bicuspis would probably be far more frequently found if some com- petent observer would devote himself to examining into its habits, and informing his brethren ‘anent’ them. C. xerampelina, though probably far from scarce in certain localities, is still looked upon as such, mainly because the majority of collectors are unacquainted with its habits in the earlier stages. And so with many other insects. There is surely some- thing better to be done, in such a field as this, than the mere amassing of a collection. It may fairly be doubted whether a cabinet of Lepidoptera is in itself such a desirable possession. What we really want are observers —men of the stamp of Thomas Edward, the hero of Mr. Smiles’ fascinating book—who will note with a keen eye the characteristics of the insects inhabiting their own special locality, and add to the general stock of knowledge by recording their characteristics for the information of their brethren. We hope that many such records as these will find their place, before long, in the pages of the Mrpnanp Narvuranisr ; and, if this be the case, it is certain that our own district will soon be as well worked, and as thoroughly organised for the study of Natural History in all its branches, as any part of England. FRESHWATER LIFE.—1. ENTOMOSTRACA,: BY EDWIN SMITH, ESQ., M.A. The Entomostraca, though commonly called ‘“‘ Water-Fleas,” are not insects, but crustaceans. They breathe by a sort of gills and the general surface of the body. They have two pairs of antennw ; and mostly more than three pairs of legs, borne by the thorax and abdomen conjointly. They never have wings, or even traces of wings. Consequently it is incorrect tospeakof them as “ fleas.” They are, in fact, little creatures allied to the shrimp and the lobster. With the exception of Apus, which is 24 inches, and Cheirocephalus, which is one inch long, the Entomos- traca are very small animals, yet not too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are readily picked, with a dipping-tube, out of the jar of water containing them, and are more easily managed in the live-box than the strictly microscopic infusoria. On this account they form a capital first study for any one beginning his researches in freshwater life. About two-thirds of the British Entomostraca inhabit fresh water, the remaining third being marine. We shall limit our attention at present to the former. The student who is tolerably persevering will soon make out from his gatherings ten or more genera, comprising about & score species, which may fairly be considered common. He should plunge his dipping-bottle into every pond in his neighbourhood, particu- larly into those which are covered with a green mantle of any sort, under which these creatures like to shelter. A still drain is no bad place for search. The rain-filled cart-ruts on the borders of plantations may also be looked into with advantage. I once took up a bottle-full of water from a small pond in North Wales, which had evidently been shrinking in dimensions all through a dry summer, while the life in it ———s FRESHWATER LIFE. ily had been fast multiplying. The water, held up to the light, was literally blood-red with abundance of Daphnia. Though warm days, especially if a little cloudy, are more propitious to the dipping-bottle than cold ones, I have tried my luck with success even in winter, when the ponds were covered with thick ice. A water-trap made in the following way will be found very useful :—A glass jar about three inches wide at the top is fitted with a large bung; the bung has two holes to receive two funnels inserted on opposite sides, one funnel being small enough to go mouth downwards into the jar, and having its mouth covered with a bit of fine muslin. This acts asa strainer, and keeps back the live objects of as many bottles full of water as you choose to pour into the larger funnel. The Entomostraca are naturally and in the main carnivorous. Indeed, one of their great uses in the economy of nature is to eat up decaying animal matter, which might otherwise taint the air or the water. They appear also to prey upon one another; while they are themselves the food of numerous aquatic animals, beetles, larve of insects, and so forth. Common sense will dictate what must be done to keep these little beings in our aquarium for observation. We must retain their food and exclude their enemies. In the struggle for exist- ence amongst themselves the Cyprides appear to have the advantage. Some sprays of Vaillisneria, Anacharis, or Myriophyllum should always be placed in the tank, to keep the water fresh, and to afford suitable harbour for the Entomostraca, and for their prey. The Entomostraca have been arranged in four orders, of which we shall take a series of examples :— 1.— Ostracoda, such as Cypris, Candona, &e. 2.—Copepoda, such as Cyclops, Canthocamptus, &ce. 3.—Cladocera, such as Daphnia, Chydorus, &c. 4.—Phyllopoda, such as Cheirocephalus. The aquarium is sure to contain, even when other kinds have dis- appeared, swarms of active little specks of a bivalve shape, clustering near the glass, and moving about unceasingly amongst one another. Take one out with the.dipping tube; you haye almost certainly one of the many species of Cypris. You observe that the body is nearly enclosed in a loose jacket of two valves joined over the back, leaving the animal free to protrude below the bristly organs by which it swims. Taken out of its jacket or carapace,.the body seems pinched up about the middle into two halves, the one corresponding to head and thorax, the other to ‘ abdomen and tail. There are two pairs of antenne; the upper pair | being employed for swimming only, the lower for both swimming and 3 walking. Next comes the mouth, consisting of an upper and a lower lip, | a pair of mandibles, and two pairs of jaws. The number of legs cannot 4 be stated with certainty. I have noticed only two pairs. Then follows the abdomen, with its two lengthened stalks, each terminated by three short hooks. This is the principal swimming organ, being rapidly jerked out behind for that purpose. Breathing is effected by means of gill- plates attached to the hinder pair of jaws, with some assistance from the feathered bristles of the larger antennz and the general surface of the body. But there are no branchial appendages to the legs as there are in Daphnie. Cypris agrees with most other Entomostraca in having only one eye. The species most common in the neighbourhood of Nottingham are Cypris vidua, C. minuta, C. aurantia. Tf you search carefully the surface of gravel in your aquarium you may chance to see a little oblong horny speck making its way by fitful jerks. This will probably turn out to be a rather large member of the same family, named Candona reptans. It has the comical habit of creeping in preference to swimming. I have found it about here in meadow drains, and haye successfully bred it in my aquarium from season to season. [ZO BE CONTINUED. | B 7 gq f 18 GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM, eee eS SOME NEW FEATURES IN THE GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM.* BY J. SHIPMAN, ESQ. Any one who has seen the Government Geological Survey map of the Nottingham district (71 N.E.) will hardly fail to have noticed two white lines stretching across the north-east of Nottingham. Those white lines mark the course, or what the Government surveyors believed to be the course, of two important faults, or dislocations of the rocks. The white line nearest to Nottingham takes a straight course from Colwick Wood, in the south, to Patchitt’s Park, in the north. The other white line describes a parabolic curve, starting from the top of Sneinton Dale, sweeping round by the Hunger Hills and disappearing about midway between. Carrington and Sherwood. To the geologist faults are peculiarly interesting, and they sometimes account for a good deal of what is obscure in the physical features of a district. They are the unwritten records of the action, at some remote period in the past, of those natural agencies which we know are ever at work somewhere at great depths, producing oscillations of level in the earth’s surface. But, apart from whatever may be the origin of faults, there are some physical features connected with the curved white line which, to say the least, have always been perplexing to those who have cared to pay much attention to local geology. There has hitherto been an air of mystery about it, and nobody was ever able to meet with it at any part of its course. Even Professor Hull speaks disappointedly, in his work on the “‘ Triassic Rocks of the Midlands,” at not being able to find the fault just where it was marked to cross Woodborough Road at the end of Red Lane. This fault has hitherto been an object of interest chiefly because it was abnormal for a fault receding at both ends from the fault forming the opposite side of the trough, to help to produce a downthrow of the rocks lying between. It will readily be understood, therefore, why the course this fault really took should be an object of solicitude for years to local geologists. Indeed, I very well remember learning some of my earliest lessons in field geology while trying to trace it; and it was while engaged in the same work in the early part of this year, on account of the unusual facilities afforded by excavations all over that part of Nottingham, that I discovered such serious discrepancies in the Geological Survey’s mapping as induced me to resurvey the north-east part of what formed the old borough—that is, the area lying between Mansfield Road, Great Alfred Street, and Coppice New Road, and the result isthe map which I now bring before you. In compiling this map, I have necessarily had to fall back, to some extent, on my recollection of what was the geological character of some parts now built upon, and I have found those obserya- tions, begun in 1868, very useful in elucidating what would otherwise have been almost beyond reach. The task was far from being an easy one, however pleasant field geology may be. Even where the character of the strata was exposed by sections I found the Keuper, which forms- the larger part of the area, extremely difficult to deal with, both in the tracing of faults and in determining the boundary line between the Upper and Lower Keuper. Many spots, too—geologically hallowed ground, ground unusually prolific in interesting points—had to be * Read before the Nottingham Naturalists’ Society, Nov. 28th, 1877. The paper was illnstrated with a geological map, sections, photographed sketches of the main faults, the site of the geodes, and of the conglomerate. : GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM. 19 visited again and again in order to obtain satisfactory results, chiefly owing to the uncertainty of building operations being begun. Then there Was no map published that was on a scale large enough to admit of detailed observations, so I enlarged one to a scale of one inch to 200 feet, which, divided into small handy sections for field use, I found to answer very well. For the levels, without which it would have been impossible for me to have constructed the horizontal sections to illustrate the character of the rocks below the surface, I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Tarbotton, the borough engineer. No. 1 Section extends from the top of Dame Agnes Street to a point on Blue Bell Hill, north-west to south-east; No. 2, from Hawkridge Street, along Blue Bell Hill, toa point a few yards beyond Belle Vue House; and No. 3, from Great Alfred Street South, along the slope of Blue Bell Hill, to Bombay Street; each to a scale of 50 feet to an inch, and a maximum depth of 220 feet. Turning now to the new map, perhaps the most striking feature is a broad, ribbon-like band of Keuper marl, shut in on each side by two parallel white lines, stretching across the map from the south-east to north-west. Those white lines are the equivalents of the straight and the curved faults respectively of the Government map. The fault nearest to Nottingham I have, for convenience, called No. 1 fault; the equiva- lent to the curved fault is No.2. No. 1 fault, you will observe, has the effect of bringing down the Lower Keuper marl (f5) alongside the Bunter sandstone (f2) all along its course after leaving Blue Bell Hill, where the outcrop of the Keuper is on the south-west side of the fault. This fault strikes N.W., but before reaching Mapperley Road it seems to become deflected, bearing N.N.W., through Patchitt’s Park, and joining No. 2 fault somewhere near the bottom of Red Lane, while only a minor dislo- cation is found taking the north-westerly course. Both faults throw down the Lower Keuper marl, the N.N.W. fault being well seen breaking through the east end of the sandstone cliff and bringing down the Lower Keuper twenty or thirty feet. Beyond No. 2 fault, that is on its north- east side, instead of the three-cornered inlier of Bunter (f2) which appears on the Government map, we have a double tongue of Bunter stretching up towards the Westminster Abbey, (as on the Government map,) on the one hand, and forming the valley at the foot of the Hunger Hills on the other—eyidently the extremity of a broad offshoot up the St. Ann’s Valley from the main area of Bunter to the south-west. We thus find that what the Geological Surveyors supposed to be a curved fault turns out to be a parallel fault to the straight one, striking about 55° west of north. This fault was exposed during the excavations for lowering Map- perley Road, near the reservoir, some years ago, then at the top of Dame Agnes Street, again half-way down that street, where it crosses obliquely, and may be traced passing down Martin Street and through the field where the St. Ann’s Flower Show is held, across the hills to Carlton Road, where it is again seen at the elbow turn, and also in a section off Crown Street, opposite. It appears to have a throw of about 95ft. in Dame Agnes Street, increasing slightly further south, throwing down the Upper Keuper alongside the Lower, and the latter level with the Bunter. When cut through in Dame Agnes Street this fault was found to hade to the south-east, just as we should expect, considering that it unites with No. 1 fault, which hades in the opposite direction, to let in a sort of broad wedge of clay rocks belonging to a higher level; and the space between the walls of the fault was filled with pebbles embedded in a crystalline calcareous red sandy matrix, associated with red marl and “‘skerry.” Acting as asort of connecting link between the two main faults, and shifting the boundary line of the Upper Keuper about four hundred feet, is a fault familiar enough to most of us on account of its being long exposed in the section of marl opposite 20 GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM. e Cranmer Quadrant, where it is seen bringing down the lower beds of the Upper Keuper alongside the marlstones of the Lower Keuper. This fault strikes north 40° west, with a throw of apparently about 1dft.; it is not again seen. It so much resembles No. 1 fault, as seen on Blue Bell Hill, that one can scarcely wonder that, in the absence of ‘ more complete data, the Survey should have regarded it as a continuation of the same fault. Reverting to No.1 fault, it evidently forms quite a focus of small dislocations on Blue Bell Hill, varying in direction between west and north. One of these, bearing 10° north of west, and throwing down the Lower Keuper against Bunter about 10ft., produces the tri- angular patch of Bunter, just at the apex of which were a few feet of Lower Keuper capping the Bunter. When these beds were cut through during the formation of Turner Street, a remarkably interesting section of the conglomerate at the base of the Lower Keuper was exposed.* Un- fortunately, however, it has since been removed for building purposes. Another fault, having a down throw of 6ft. 3in. on the east side, is trace- able crossing Blue Bell Hill Road 12° west of north, and coming out in the cliff in Lower Beacon Street. The other minor dislocations marked on the new map, mostly parallel with this, all have a downthrow to the east, but they are of no further importance than to serve to show the general tendency of the down-throw of the faults on Blue Bell Hill, east of No. 1 fault. ~ In fact I met with more dislocations radiating from No. 1 fault than in any other part. I ought not to omit to mention that No. 1 fault is finely exposed in the section opposite the saw mills on the Blue Bell Hill Road. The Lower Keuper between Pease Hill Road and the Robin Hood’s Chase is also much disturbed by faults. Two or three may be seen in the brick yard there, but others, haying a downthrow to the north-east, probably exist ; for, on the down-throw side of No. 1 fault at the junction of Cooper Street and Pease Hill Road, the Bunter was met with at a depth of 16 feet, while near the Chase, with a rise of ground of about 14 feet, the Bunter was not reached till a depth of 54 feet of Lower Keuper had been passed through, and then only on the upthrow side of a fault which was found to cut through the well. Again, just where we might expect to find the lowest beds of the Keuper, namely, at the bottom of Dame Agnes Street, over 40 feet of water- stones have been pierced without reaching the Bunter. This, coupled with the fact that brickyards existed years ago along the bottom of Blue Bell Hill on St. Ann’s Road, leads me to infer the existence of a series of transverse faults running nearly parallel with that road, and letting in the higher beds of the Keuper. While tracing the fault I have mentioned in the Beacon Street Cliff, I came across some very interesting geodes in the Lower Keuper sand- stone beds. The geodes ramified in the thick beds of sandstone without any regard to the lamination; were lined with rhombohedral erystals of calcite, occasionally tinged with copper and a black mineral—probably manganese ; and appeared to have been formed long after deposition and consolidation of the rock. The crystals were all rhombohedrons, except where the copper or the black substance was present, when they became double six-sided pyramids, These are the first crystals of calcite, as far as I know, that have been found in the Keuper—at least in this district. The geodes extended through about three feet of the marlstone, and were confined laterally to the space of a few square yards, The calcareous matter appeared to have come from aboye, a thin lenticular band of it, about three feet long, being met with about five feet above where the geodes were found. ’ [TO BE CONTINUED. ]} * This conglomerate is described at a later stage. CORRESPONDENCE. 21 Correspondence. $$ Tue Nest or A Sparrow, (Passer domesticus,) containing six eggs, was taken at Saltley, on the 30th of November. It is now in the possession of Mr. A. F. Shrive, 98, Lower Tower Street, Birmingham, where it may be seen by anyone interested in ornithology. LeicustersnirE Frora.—The Natural History Section of the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society is engaged in verifying and bringing up to date the MS. of the Flora of Leicestershire, left by the Rev. W. H. Coleman, of Ashby, about twenty-five years ago. Any botanist in the outlying districts of the county will be rendering useful assistance by sending lists of plants observed to the President of the Section, at the Town Museum, Leicester. Macrrr—Cucxoo.—A friend of mine who, as a boy, was a great hand at bird’s nesting, and also a great observer of the habits of birds, has remarked that when a magpie built its nest in a larch or fir tree, and the nest was taken with a full complement of eggs, she would invariably build again near the same spot. But if the nest was taken under the same circumstances from an oak, elm, or other forest tree, she would never rebuild in the same neighbourhood. I should be glad to know, if any one else has remarked this, and ifit can be accounted for. Also, if it is a generally acknowledged fact, that the cuckoo lays its egg on the ground, and carries it to the nest where it is to be hatched.—Oswatp M. FEILDEN. ConcHoLoey.—It may be interesting to your Conchological readers to learn that two species of shells not previously known to exist in War- wickshire have been recently added to the fauna of that county. Whilst searching for Pselaphide, in moss growing on a poplar tree near Knowle, the writer found a single specimen of Zonites excavatus, var. vitrina Fer. This species is interesting from its habit (unusual with snails) of braving the most inclement weather, being often found crawling on snow. Near Henley-in-Arden in the heart of Warwickshire, the turnpike road has been cut through a hill composed of red marl, and on the banks of the cutting, on both sides of the road, Helix Cantiana, Mont., abounds. The writer found it there during a Summer Excursion of the Birmingham Natural History Society, but has not discovered it in any other part of the county.—W.G.B. A Svueerstion ror Naruratists.—Having in the early part of this year set on foot a Naturalists’ Society, called ‘‘ The Northwich Naturalists’ Field Club,” we are very anxious to establish a series of lectures on Botanical and other Natural History subjects, to be delivered during the winter months for the purpose—first, of instruction to the Class; second, of increasing interest in such subjects; and third, of aiding the funds—as we are at present very poor. The announcement of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist” has suggested to me the idea of soliciting through its pages the gratis services of some of the members of the Midland Union of Naturalists in the delivery of monthly ‘lectures, trusting that there may be some who, out of love for the objects and a desire to extend the study of Nature, would be willing to deliver such lectures to our Society here without further remuneration than their necessary expenses. Our Society is in an infant state, and therefore the lectures need only be plain and elementary in their nature. If you would assist me by printing this letter I should feel very grateful, and it would be a great assistance to the work which we hope to carry on here.—T. Harrizy, Curate of Witton, Northwich, Cheshire, Hon. Sec. of N.N.F.C. € 22, CORRESPONDENCE. Nore on a Curtous Bretir.—Presuming that the occurrence of the less common species of insects in our Midland district will be a matter of interest to the readers of the ‘‘ Naturalist,” I send the following note :—On the 12th of September, 1873, a young friend of mine brought tome from the newly-opened Clifton Colliery, near Nottingham, some specimens of aremarkable beetle. Its entire length, body and head, was % of an inch; its prevailing colour an iron gray, with lighter patches on the thighs and tarsi, and lighter strokes between the segments on the under side of the abdomen. But the most striking feature about the beetle was its antenne. These were 3} inches long, composed of ten joints, the one nearest the head being much thickened. How this little creature manages to fly through the woods without breaking such long and slender organs is a puzzle. They are longest in the males; and as the males, so I am told, frequently fight, the antenne do get broken. Several specimens were brought to me in this state. The beetle in question I made out to be Astinomus edilis. Some authorities call it Acanthocinus. It appears to occur at Rannock, in Perthshire; and Mr. Rye says that ‘it may be not uncommonly seen flying across the glades of the Black Forest, with its long appendages streaming behind. It loves to settle on felled pine logs, with its antenne spread out like compasses, from which habit it is termed by the Highlanders ‘‘ Timber- man.” ‘There seems to be no doubt that the beetle was imported in the timber needed for the colliery, and travelled from its proper home in the stage of larva or pupa. Waking from its quiescent state, it flew, attracted by the warmth, in great numbers to the tall chimney of the engine house, where several very fine specimens were secured. Tor a good figure see Rye’s British Beetles, plate xiii—EHpwin Surru, Nottingham. A Frew Lonpon Notes, sy an Occasions CoRRESPONDENT.—NOW that the season for the work of the learned societies has come, they are as busy and interesting as usual, and as admission is easily obtained to any or most of them, the subscribers of ‘“‘ The Midland Naturalist” cannot do better, when they are in town, than consult ‘‘ The Weekly Calendar” of the Illustrated London News, and, choosing their society, ask a member for an introduction.—A great want in microscopy is likely to be supplied by the ‘ Immersion Paraboloid,” exhibited at the Quekett Club, which renders dark ground illumination possible with high powers. It is, being ‘ immersion,” somewhat more troublesome than the ordinary illuminator, but answers admirably.—Eyvery one will be glad to hear that Sir Josh. Hooker is looking strong and well after his tour. He visited Colorado and the Sierra Nevada, with Professor Asa Gray, with the intention of classifying the Conifers on their route. The task is rendered difficult by every tree having as many local or scientific names as branches ; but among other curiosities, he mentioned one pine which does not shed its seeds or cones, and showed a specimen of another and a piece of juniper, deeply scored and honey-combed in parts, to the depth of thirty annual rings, by sandblast. Considering the trees were grown at an altitude of some thousands of feet, and are so hard that a knife will not touch them, it can be easily imagined, as is the fact, that hundreds of years have been spent in making the excavations.—Professor Tyndall’s lecture, at the. London Institution, was a great success, the Theatre not being nearly large enough to hold the intending audience. His proofs, in opposition to Dr. Bastian’s assertion of spontaneous generation, seemed unanswerable; but the Doctor is too tough an antagonist to be easily vanquished. In passing, I may remark that if scientific lecturers generally only knew the pleasure it gives an audience to listen to the fluent and animated delivery of Professor Tyndall, as opposed to the sing-song, monotonous read lectures, only too common, they would cultivate style as they do their other gifts, and doubtless as CORRESPONDENCE. ut} successfully. For fun, commend mé to Dr. M. C. Cooke. We who had the privilege of attending the Quekett Club Dinner on the Ist will not easily forget his description, ‘‘ a la Hood,” of the Chinese Ambassador’s visit to the soirée. The Dr. said ‘‘He brought his own China mug to tea,” and he admirably described his surprise when he saw a flea under the microscope.—The Aquarium, at Westminster, is now well worth seeing, the tanks being fully stocked and the water bright. The latest addition—the Sharks, in the largest tank, are vigorous, and give us a good idea of the Squalide. Mr. Carrmgton, the naturalist, who has now the manage-nent of the fish department, has reduced the former terrible mortality of his proteges to an almost nominal rate, and may make the people of birmingham hopeful of the future of their Aquarium when they see what difficulties have been overcome. Mr. Carrington is on a tour in Italy, and, as he purposes dredging on the Sicilian coast, and visiting Dr. Dohrn’s most admirable of all Aquaria, at Naples, there will doubtless be something to see at Westminster, on his return, notwithstanding the loss of Pongo and the Whale.—W. J. S. Gleaninas. Mr. Cuartes Darwin, the great Naturalist, has had the degree of Doctor of Laws conferred upon him by the University of Cambridge. Tse Scorch Naturarist.—From a letter we have received from Banff, we learn that Thomas Edward is busily occupied in preparing for publication further reminiscences of his lite and labours as a naturalist. We are sorry to learn from our correspondent that he is suffering from bad health. Tue Baxrertan Lucrure was delivered before the Royal Society, (Sir J. D. Hooker, President, in the chair,) on the 15th November, by Prof. W. C. Williamson, the subject being ‘‘On the Latest Researches into the Organisation of the Fossil Plants of the British Coal Measures, especially of the Calamites and Lepidodendra.”’ The Bercinnines or Lire is thetitle of the first of the Manchester Science, Lectures of the current Session. The lécturer is Professor P. Martin Duncan, F.R.S. Tue Roya Socrery’s Mrpaus for the year 1877 have been awarded thus:—The Copley Medal to Professor James Dwight Dana, for his biological, geological, and mineralogical investigations, and for the valuable works in which his conclusions and discoveries have been pub- lished ; to Mr. Frederick Augustus Abel, F.R.S., a Royal Medal, for his physico-chemical researches on gun cotton and explosive agents; a Royal Medal to Professor Oswald Heer, of Zurich, for his researches and writings on the Tertiary Plants of Europe, of the North Atlantic, North Asia, and North America; and the Davy Medal (first time of its award) to Robert Wilhelm Bunsen and Gustav Robert Kirchoff, for their researches and discoveries in spectrum analysis. Cuara Fracirera.—The discovery of Chara fragifera, (Durieu,) as a British plant, by Mr. John Ralts, in a peaty pool, at Chy-an-hal, near Penzance, Cornwall, is recorded in the last number of the Journal of Botany. 24 GLEANINGS. Hysrip Brameies.—In the Journal of Botany for December, there is an interesting paper, by Dr. W. O. Focke, on ‘*Some Hybrid Brambles,” in which the author gives an account of his experiments in crossing the nearly allied varieties—Rubus gratus and R. bifrons, by which he has obtained a plant which he considers to be identical with R. Villi- caulis. He says, ‘‘Now the question arises, what is the widely dis- tributed R. Villicaulis? Is it, indeed, a constant race derived from a hybrid? It is not easy to understand how this can be the case, as R. gratus and R. bifrons grow scarcely anywhere at the same spot. In the greater part of Germany, where R. Villicaulis is abundant, and probably also in England, there is never seen either of its supposed parents.” He has also succeeded in producing hybrids by fertilisation of R. Ideus L. and R. Bellardi W. and N., with the pollen of R. Casius L. The products are quite sterile, and that of R. [deus resembles the spon- taneous hybrids described as R. Casio-Ideus, &e. Zootocican Socrery.—Amon the additions to the Society’s menagerie during the months of August, September, and October are a Cape hedgehog, (Erinaceus frontalis,) « young American tantalus, (Tantalus loculator,) a Brazilian marmot, (MWomotus brasiliensis,) two Guilding’s amazons, (Chrysotis quildingi,) two sooty coots, (Fulica ardesiaca,) and a pair of African buffalos, (Bubalus cequinoctialis, ) acquired by purchase. Rare Brirps.—The Rey. F. O. Morris, Nunburnholme Rectory, Hayton, York, has drawn public attention to the necessity of something being done to protect birds which yearly or occasionally visit our shores ‘‘who come to us, but never return again whence they came,” being ruthlessly shot as soon as seen. He mentions the hoopoe, the blue- breast, the golden oriole, the roller, the bee-eater, the Orphean warbler, the great sedge warbler, the melodious willow warbler, and the Alpine warbler, the chough, the rose-coloured starling, &c., as some of the birds he would desire to have protected in order that they might have a chance of building, breeding, and so becoming naturalised among us, ‘‘as beyond all doubt some of them would if they were not destroyed.” Tue CxHattencer.—Measures are afoot for supplementing the researches of the Challenger Expedition by a series of deep-sea dredgings in the Indian Seas. These seas were purposely omitted from the scope of the Challenger’s investigations. A new steamer is now being built in India, and an officer of the Coast Survey Department (Lieutenant Jarrad, R.N.) has been commissioned to see after the fittings and dredging appliances in England. Full information has been obtained from the old staff of the Challenger, and it is hoped that operations may be started next cold season (1878-79.) In that case it is probable that the first steps will be to run one or more lines of soundings across the Bay of Bengal in such directions as may seem best. A rossi Peronospora of the Paleozoic age is described and illustrated by Mr. Worthington G. Smith, in the Gardeners’ Chronicle of October 20th. It is the remains of a fungus found growing in the vascular bundles of a Lepidodendron from the coal measures, and the name he gives it is Peronosporites antiquarius. A criticism on the subject will be found in The Academy for November 17th, p. 475. Tae TrLternonr.—At a recent meeting of the Society of Arts, Professor Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, gave an interesting account of the experiments by means of which he had arrived at the instrument in its present form, which, if not absolutely perfect, is rapidly GLEANINGS. Di tending thitherwards. The instrument was employed on the occasion successfully. To carry on a sustained conversation, it is found that two instruments are required at each end, one to speak to and the other to listen at.—A full report will be found in the Times of November 29th, p. 6, THe PHonocraPH is the name of an instrument, invented by Mr. Eddison, which is described as an improvement on the Telephone. The inventor has provided an arrangement, by which the undulations produced by the human voice are recorded ona strip of paper, from which the sentences uttered may be reproduced automatically. OUR COVER. BY WORTHINGTON G. SMITH, F.L.S., M.A. ., Every work of art, whether important or unimportant, should be able to speak for itself, and tell its own tale. It has been suggested, however, that the designer and engraver of the new Cover of the *Mipianp Naturatisr” should write a few lines of description of the picture on the outside wrapper, and he has complied, with pleasure, by writing the few brief sentences which follow :— Some of the ideas for the Cover belong to Messrs. Badger, Tait, and Harrison, others are the writer’s; the general design is intended to give a sort of conventional reflex of the chief Sciences. The study of animals recently extinct is indicated by the sketch of the Mammoth, (Elephas primigenius,) in the ice, and of living animals by the drawing of the Red Deer, (Cervus Elaphus.) The philosophical instruments at the top, spectroscope, microscopes, and telescopes, need no word of explanation. The Cromlech, fiint arrow-head, and stone hammer point to pre-historic Archeology ; the Cromlech represents the magnificent monument still standing near the village of Clynnog, in Carnaryonshire. The cap stone of this Cromlech is profusely dotted over with the enigmatic ‘‘ cup- markings ;” the original sketch for this outline was made by the writer from the actual structure in August last. The botanical vasculum, the geological hammers, 'anemometer, ground thermometer, barometer, andrain gauge point to the respective studies in which these instruments are used. The Bee (Bombus terrestris) is introduced as a typical British Insect to represent Entomology, and the Wild Rose, (Rosa canina,) and Cowslip, (Primula elatior,) are given to indicate the Phanerogamous section of Botany. The Actinophrys, (Actinophrys Eichornii,) on the right points to the Rhizopoda, and the Ferns and Fungi beneath are representatives of Cryptogamic Botany. The Apteryx, (Apteryx Australis,) and Octopus, (Octopus vulgaris,) represent rare and curious animals, and at the same time point to Ornithology and the Mollusca. The Ichthyosaurus at the base is a representative of animals long extinct, and now found in a fossil condition only. As there is always an interest attached to the method cf doing things, it may not be out of place here to say that the design, (with all its defects,) was drawn direct on the box-wood block, and engraved at once, without a slip, false line, or alteration. Many readers of the ‘‘ Mipianp Naturatist” will probably be self-taught men, who busily follow industrial occupations every week-day. It may therefore interest such readers to know that the writer of these lines never had any teacher, either artistic or scientific, other than he always found supplied to him by close observation, careful reading, experience, and constant per- everance, 26 REPORTS. Acports of Societies. BIRMINGIIAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—Gernerat Merrrtina, November 6th. The Prestpenr, Mr. Edmund ‘Tonks, B.C.1.., in the chair. Dr. W. Hryps read a short paper on the ‘“ Physical ‘Character of Seeds,” referring to the form, beauty of markings of the testa, style, and deposition of the embryo; the indication and inferences to be derived from the presence of perisperm, and especially as to comparative and absolute size of albuminous and exalbuminous seeds. The aim of nature in furnishing certain seeds with characteristic appendages was also commented upon. The paper was illustrated by microscopical and other specimens. BroLocican Srcrion.—November 18th.—Dr. W. Hryps presiding. Mr. W. B. Grove, B A., gave some remarkably interesting notes on the ‘ Botany, Geology, and Physical Geograpay of the Cheshire and Lancashire Coasts,” illustrated by geological diagrams aud a series of carefully preserved botanical specimens. ‘These formed a very characteristic flora of the above coasts. Among others were Psamma urenaria, Festuca uniglumes, Carex extensa, Viola Curtisii, &e. A discussion followed.—Mr. J. BaGNnauu exhibited a number of rare War- wickshire plants, collected in a rich lias quarry, near Bidford and Exhall, and read notes as to the distribution of these plants in the country and throughout the world, together with the origin and signification of their names, and a short account of some of the older botanists by whom these names were first instituted. Among other plants were Linaria spuria, Anagallis cerulea, Picris hieracivides, &e.—Mr. Joun Levick exhibited in the microscopes selections of water from a prolific pond, near Perry Barr, in which were abundant Volvox globator, Actinophrys sol, and other creatures of great interest. Bronocican Srcrron.—December 11th.—Dr. W. Hrnps presiding.—Mr. E. W: BapGer read a paper on “Abnormal Ferns,” by Mr. EK. J. Lowe, F.R.S. of Nottingham, which will be found printed at length at page 5. An animated discussion followed. A vote of thanks was awarded to Mr. Lowe for ‘his valuable and interesting communication. . GroLocican Srcrron.—October 30th.—Mr. Heming, of Redditch, read a paper on “ Agates,” collected from the drift in the neighbourhood of the Lickey. ‘The greater part of the gravel which yields the agates comes from the Moseley cutting, and some isolated patches usually capping slight hills. All these gravels are characterised by hollow nodules of iron ore. Mr. Heming made some remarks on what he held to be the origin of some irregularly marked agates, viz., the chert of the Carboniferous Limestone. The paper was illustrated by many beautiful polished specimens of pebbles. GroLocicaL Section, November 27th—Rev. H. W. Crosskey, M.A., F.G.5, presiding. Mr. §. Allport, F.G.S., showed specimens of Volcanic Agglomerate and blocks of Porphyritic and other Pitchstones, from the Wrekin; and Spherulitic, Pitchstone, and Perlite, from Lea Rocks, also near Wellington. These rocks have been described in the Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society. They are chiefly remarkable as being the first glassy rocks of Palwozoic age which have been anywhere found. ‘The blocks of Pitchstone occur in certain of the higher beds of the Agglomerate, aud are of considerable size, from 14 to 18 inches in diameter. Mr. Allport gave a description of the Voleaniec rocks which form the central axis of the Wrekin, and exhibited some peautifully-prepared microscopical sections, illustrating his remarks. GenerAL Mernrinc, December 4th.—Mr. 8S. Aunport, F.G.8., presiding. Mr. Levich read a paper on ‘‘ The Hydra,” describing its mode of reproduction, and its stinging organs, and made some interesting remarks upon its habits, and the manner in which it seizes its prey. The paper was illustrated by several specimens under the microscope, amongst which were the stinging organs, and a specimen of J//. Vulgaris with ova attached. The same evening Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L.8., read a paper on ‘The Spicules of Sponges.” After referring to the vexed question of the animality of sponges, REPORTS. OF a which had been satisfactorily settled in our day, both by the physiologist and the chemist, he described the mode of life of the animal. The manner in which earthy matter, calcareous or siliceous, was secreted, in order to give strength and consistence to the tissues, was then alluded to, and the various offices performed by the spicula—coennecting, prehensile, defensive, tension, and retentive, were described. The spicula themselves, which are of the most varied and beautifal kinds, resembling spun glass, extend from the simple pin-shaped to the elaborate cruciform and anchorate forms as seen in the Hezactinellide, and are amongst the choicest objects in the cabinet of the microscopist. Between two and three hundred of these forms had been described by the late Dr. Bowerbank, the historian of the British Spongiade, and several new and beautiful forms which were alluded to had been added by the deep sea explorations of H.M.SS. Light- ning, Porcupine, and Challenger. The paper was illustrated by a series of very beautiful diagrams executed by Miss Hadley, one of the members of the society, and by many specimens from Mr. Hughes’s cabinet. One of the diagrams- exhibited an Anchorate spiculum, enlarged 22,000 diameters. Mr. Wright Wilson, F.L.S., exhibited specimens of the Huplectella aspergillum, or Venus’s flower basket, and of the //yalonema mirabilis or glass rope sponge, and also, as a contrast, specimens of spun glass in further illustration of the paper. BURTON-UPON-TRENT NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCH#OLOGI-. CAL SOCIETY.—October 31st, soirée; papers by Mr. J. T. Harris, the Rev. C. F. Thornewill, M.A., and Mr. C. Perks. November 13th, paper by Rev. W. W. Fowler, M.A.; subject, ‘‘ The Colorado Beetle.’ November 27th, paper: by Lawson Tait, Esq., F.R.C.S.; subject, ‘“‘ Insectivorous Plants,” an abstract of which will appear in the “ Midland Naturalist.” December 11th, paper Dy Rev. T. F. Fenn, M.A. ; subject, “‘ Holiday Rambles.” NOTTINGHAM LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.— Naruran ScrenceE Section.—The following papers were read :—December dth,,. “On the Geology and Mining History of Coal,” by Mr. J. Bilbie. December 12th,. “On the Oldest Welsh Rocks,’ by Mrs F. M. Ward. December 19th, ‘‘ On: Teredos, or Wood-boring Mollusca,” by Mr. B. Sturges Dodd. NOTTINGHAM NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY.—November 28th. Meeting at the Corn Exchange, Thurland Street. Mr. Shipman read a most interesting paper, entitled “‘ Some New Features in the Geology of East Nottingham,” the first half of which appears in our current number. (See p. 18.)—December 5th. Meeting at the- Museum, Wheeler Gate. Mr. B. S. Dodd read a paper on “ Algs,’” dealing with: their habitat, structure, economy in nature, &c.,and also the readiest way of preserving them as cabinet specimens. The paper was illustrated by numerous well-mounted specimens from the Channel Islands.—December 19th. Meeting at the Museum, Wheeler Gate. A rough ‘ Sketch of the Geology of. Nottingham and the District” was given by Mr. C. T. Musson. OSWESTRY AND WELSHPOOL NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB — This Society made four excursions during the sammer of 1877—the first in the neighbourhood of Montgomery,a very beautiful district, abounding in ancient remains, cainp, tumuli, castles, &c., and a good field for botany and geology. The next excursion was along the Dee from Overton, through Wynnstay Park to Ruabon, The third was to the Breidden, rich in botanical treasures, but it being rather late in the season, only Sedum Forstertanum was found. The last excur- sion was to Wenlock and Buildwas Abbey, and the Wrekin. The only other plants of any rarity which have been found this summer, are Inula Helenium and I. Conyza, Scabiosa Columbaria, Sedum Telephium, Linum Augustifolium, and Utricularia Vulgaris. STROUD NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.—The second meeting for the present session was held on the 13th November. There was a large attendance. Mr. J. E. Dorington, president, in the chair. A short paper was read by Dr. Partridge, F.R.M.S., “on the application of the microscope to scientific inquiry.” 28 REPORTS. The meeting then resolved itself into a conversazione, and an exhibition of microscopic objects, &ec. Mr. Allen, of Bath, Secretary to the Postal Micro- seropic Society, lent an antiquated form of instrument for exhibition, and also sent some excellent slides and MS. containing beautiful drawings by Tuffen West, Hammond, Winderhill, &e. On December 11th, at a numerously attended meeting, the President in the chair, J. H. Taunton, Esq., C.E., read an important and interesting paper ou “The enlarged use of compressed air in recent engineering construction;” Dr. Bond, of Gloucester, exhibited a ~ telephone in working order, and described its construction and mode of use; and Mr. Holland exhibited various liassic specimens from the bone bed, near Westbury. TAMWORTH NATURAL HISTORY, GEOLOGICAL, AND ANTI- QUARIAN SOCIETY.—The annual meeting was held December 17th. After the statement of accounts and the report had been read, the President (Mr. R. W. Nevill) delivered a valedictory address, in the course of which he reviewed the social changes which have taken place during the last quarter of a century, mentioning briefly, but clearly and forcibly, the more important of them. He next pointed out that the progress of science during the same period had been even greater. Reference was then made to some of the many important investi- gations now occupying the attention of our leading men of seieuce; and to the recent discovery of the telephone by Professor Bell. After thanking the members for their attendance, Mr. Nevill proposed for his successor as President the Rev. Brooke Lambert; the motion was seconded by Mr. W. Lucey, and carried unanimously. The Committee, Treasurer, (Mr. H. Thring,) and Secre- tary, (Mr. W. G. Davy,) were then elected. The meeting was afterwards oerpiet in examining a telephone, which was exhibited and successfully worked. Answers to Correspondents. F.T. M. “ Mathematical Problem.”—We have submitted your question to two able mathematicians—one a Senior Wrangler who has made optics a special study— who agree in stating that in the present state of our knowledge it is unanswerable.—We shall be glad to be favoured with your promised coutributions. Meuicerta RinceNs.—In answer to H. M.’s enquiry, we refer him to an advertisement on the cover of this month’s issue, in which he will see that he can obtain for a mere trifle from Mr. Thomas Bolton, of Hyde House, Stourbridge, specimens of this interesting building Rotifer. Mr. Bolton has long been recognised in this locality as a most successful finder of rare Rotifers, Entomostraca, &c. We have to thank many friends for encouraging communications. We have especially to thank Dr. W. Hinds for his excellent article on ‘‘ The Chlorophyll- body and its relation to Starch ;’ Mr. W. G. Blatchfor his interesting commnu- nication on ‘Entomological Books for Beginners,” and Mr. C. 'T. Musson for his “ Catalogue of the Land and Fresh Water Shells to be found in Nottingham and the neighbourhood,” for all of which we hope to find room in the number for February. We have much pleasure in printing the following resolutions, unani- mously agreed to at the last meeting of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society :—Resolved—That the Secretary be requested to send a copy of the first number of the ‘‘ Miptanp Narurauisr” to all the members of this Society, accompanied by a circular calling their attention to the journal, and expressing a hope that they will subscribe. Resolved—That this resolution be communicated to the other Societies in the Union, in the hope that they may be induced to take similar measures to bring the ‘‘ Mmranp Narvrauisr ” before the notice of their members. POPULAR LECTURES. 29 PASSAGES FROM POPULAR LECTURES. BY F..T. MOTT, F.R.G.S. No. 1—THE MEANING OF “SCIENCE.” Let us consider what we understand, and what we ought to under- stand, by the word “ Science.” The word itself is simply the Latin word Scientia, stripped of its Roman toga and put into an English dress. Its original meaning is ‘‘ knowledge,” and the Romans used it in its widest sense, as including all manner of facts and propositions which were known or supposed to be known. But in later times tts meaning has been restricted. The domains of art and of literature have been struck out from the domain of science. In our modern view science deals with principles, art with practice. Science enquires about the laws of matter and mind, art applies these laws in the production of results. To ascertain the laws of animal life and of inherited qualities is science ; to improve the breed of sheep and cattle by the application of this know- ledgeis art. But the domain of science is still very wide, and is further broken up by modern analysis into such sections as ‘pure science,” dealing with abstract ideas; ‘‘ physical science,” investigating nature mathematically ; and ‘‘natural science,” studying the laws of life. Yet there is another analysis which requires to be made, and which seldom is made by those who speak of science in a popular manner. Science, we say, means ‘‘ knowledge :” but what do we understand by ‘‘ knowledge?” Under cover of this word are commonly confounded two very different states of mind, and the confusion has led to many serious results. If we say that we know there is light in this room, and that we know the light is produced by the gas, we are speaking of two quite different kinds of knowledge, only one of which has any right in a strict sense to be called knowledge at all. The other is not knowledge but belief. We know that there is light in this room; but we do not know that it is produced by burning gas; we only believe that it is. Mark the difference. Knowledge is that of which the mind has direct perception. Belief is that state which the mind arrives at from the balancing of evidence. That there is light here is not a matter of inference, or judgment, or opinion; it is not a conviction arrived at from weighing evidence; it is the simple perception of a sensation. There can be no possibility of denying it. It is true knowledge. But to say that the light is produced by gas is to refer to a judgment —not a direct perception. We do not perceive the gas. It is far away from us. We argue in our minds ‘‘ what produces this light? Is it the sun? Isit the moon? Is it candles? Is it gas?” We consider, and balance the evidence, and conclude that the probability of its being gas far outweighs all other suggestions. A conviction or belief is the result. But this is not true knowledge, and it has nothing like the certainty of true knowledge. We never can be sure that all possible evidence, upon any subject whatever, has come before us; nor that we have equally and impartially weighed all the evidence we had. How do we know, for instance, that the gas-company are not trying an experiment to-night, and using some- thing which is not gas after all? We may have had the firmest belief that the light was produced by gas and yet find that we were wrong. Every belief is open to contradiction, and liable to change. As long as a real belief exists at all it has the same force with us as if it were D 30 POPULAR LECTURES. knowledge, but it is essential to our progress to remember the clear distinction between them, and to keep the mind open and attentive to fresh evidence, because it may at any time bring us nearer to the absolute truth. We know that we exist ; that we feel pleasure and pain; that two and two make four; that the whole is greater than its parts; that there are such things as light and darkness, warmth and cold; that the rainbow is curved and coloured ; that our cat has four legs, and our brother only two. These are all direct perceptions of truth, whether derived from the senses or from reason. But we only believe that we shall exist at any future time; that certain acts always produce pleasure and others always pain; that we could go toa grocer and buy a pound of sugar for five- pence ; that the earth is spherical and revolves round the sun; that every cat has four legs, or every man only two. These are inferences, judg- ments, not perceptions, liable at any moment to be contradicted and proved false. At present there is an immense amount of confusion in popular language, and even in scientific language, between propositions of these very different kinds. Almost any one would say in popular conversation, “Oh, you know that a cat has always four legs;” and few scientific writers would hesitate to say ‘‘we now know that the sun is about 92,000,000 of miles distant from the earth.’ Both statements are incorrect in calling that knowledge which is really belief. Probably a time will come in which greater precision of language will be demanded ; when belief will be as clearly distinguished from knowledge as art now is from science. Every student of science should cultivate such precision as one of his most precious instruments in the investigation of nature. For man’s attempts to pick her locks are stillsupremely clumsy. He needs to make his keys a thousand times more delicate than any which he uses now before they will pass the wards of nature’s inmost sanctuaries. SOME NEW FEATURES IN THE GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM. BY J, SHIPMAN, ESQ. (Continued from page 20.) Not the least important respect wherein my map differs from the Government map is the much less area covered by Upper Keuper marl. The Geological Survey supposed that one effect of their two faults was to throw in between Lower Keuper a patch of Upper Keuper extending from Cranmer Street to Red Lane—that is, the space between the two faults. If their supposed curved fault had really existed I believe this would have been correct; but, as it is, the Upper Keuper, of which the Reservoir Hill consists, iscut off on the north side by No. 2 fault, and does not come in again till the ground rises to form Mapperley Hills. Then they mapped the Hunger Hills as being to a great extent composed of Upper Keuper. This is not so, however. The flat-topped appearance of these hills is caused, apparently, by a bed of sandstone, three or four feet thick, seen also in the cliff of Lower Keuper on Coppice New Road ; and the Upper Keuper may be traced by the sudden rise of the ground, GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM, 31 its more rounded contour, and by its finely laminated character and bright red colour, as contrasted with the purplish and dull red of the highest beds of the Lower Keuper. We come now to the most interesting feature of all that may be said to be new in the geology of this part of Nottingham. Running along the boundary line separating the Lower Keuper from the Bunter (f2) on the new map you will observe a narrow band coloured blue. That is the conglomerate forming the lowest bed of the Keuper in this district. It was seen at short intervals along the boundary all round the double tongue of Bunter in the St. .Ann’s Valley; and, although tolerably persistent, it is sometimes represented by a mere string of pebbles. The tracing of this conglomerate along the base of the Hunger Hills and round the opposite side of the valley to where it was cut off by No. 2 fault in Dame Agnes Street fairly did away with the theory of the curved fault; for, according to the Survey map, this valley ought to have been in Lower Keuper. The best exposuyes of this conglomerate were in Turner Street and on Hunger Hill Road, the section in Turner Street having the advantage of showing a perpendicular section, while on the Hunger Hill Road it had to be studied during the process of excavating. In Turner Street its greatest thickness was 22in., and it there consisted of rounded and partially rounded pebbles of all sizes up to boulders five or six inches long, consisting for the most part of quartz and quartzite, with a few bits of brown magnesian limestone, volcanic ash, basalt, greenstone, chert, slaty rock, and Coal Measure rock, the whole being firmly compacted together by lime and magnesia and oxide of iron, the latter giving it a strongly ferruginous aspect. Such is its compactness, indeed, that nayyies who happen to have to excavate it have learnt to dread. it, and affirm it to be the toughest rock they ever met with. It rested.in the shallow cavities of an eroded surface of the Bunter, sloping to the east at an angle of about 5°, and was surmounted by first about 18in. of coarse mottled sandstone, then beds of finely-laminated brown and light olive-green sandstone, with thin partings of red marl. At its outcrop on the top of the low rounded hill of Bunter on Hunger Hill Road, the conglomerate, which, with its associated beds, formed a band. at the surface about 50ft. broad, had much the same composition as in Turner Street, only there was more chert and a good deal of white limestone in lumps and ground-up, there being also calcite in minute crystals, and as a thick coating to some of the pebbles; it was about eight inches thick, and covered by first a thin bed of greenish grit, cemented into cakes by calcareous matter, then by an irregular series of beds about three feet thick, consisting chiefly of unconsolidated white (bleached) sand, false-bedded, and streaked with pale green and yellow, with occasional strings of pebbles enclosing lenticular beds of sand, of a ferruginous colour. The whole, though very irregularly bedded, had a general inclination to the north-east, passing under the Keuper. When a perpendicular section of these beds was exposed further under the Keuper, they presented a peculiar variegated wavy appearance, being streaked with red, yellow, and pale green. I was struck by the remarkable resemblance between these beds and the raised beaches I had seen on the sea shore, the only difference that I could perceive being the complete absence of any traces of life, Among the pebbles forming the conglomerate at this spot, I found what appears to have once formed the extremity of a sea-worn pinnacle of greenish fine- grained (Silurian ?) sandstone, such as may be seen at the present day along coasts where Silurian or Cambrian rocks are exposed, ‘That this was its origin seems to me to be indicated by its peculiar water-worn aspect, and by the lateral grooves along the lines of stratification. A very instructive section has lately been exposed in Ford Street, 32 GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM. nearly along the dip of the Keuper.* The conglomerate was here seen just before it crops ont, occupying cavities in a gently sloping plane of the Bunter. The pebbles of the conglomerate blended with the overlying sandstone and marl, and the variegated beds swelled out slightly in the direction of the outcrop. The accompanying woodcut is from a sketch taken on the spot. JUNCTION OF KEUPER AND UPPER BUNTER, FORD STREET, NOTTINGHAM. e. Thick-bedded soft brown, yellow, and light green sandstone, with red and green finely-laminated marls (Lower Keuper.) : d. Ferruginous band (6in.) e. Soft sandstone, streaked with green, red, and yellow. t b. Conglomerate, forming base of Lower Keuper (f5), filling eroded cavities in the Bunter (£2), 20in. a. Bunter sandstone, yellow, “ false-bedded,” with a few pebbles. In this section the Keuper appears to dip to the south, the true dip, however, being south-east. The conglomerate was twice passed through in Dame Agnes Street during the excavations for the culvert, caused by a fault, as shown in section No. 1, and was there found to be divided into two strings of pebbles by alenticular mass of coarse greenish-white sandstone about 4ft. thick. I met with a similar development of sandstone at the base of the Lower Keuper at the bottom of the new road through Patchitt’s Park from the Reservoir to Red Lane, about d5ft. of unconsolidated yellow sandstone, streaked with red, and passing up into soft red marl, coming immediately above the conglomerate. The most easterly spot where I have seen the conglomerate is near the Westminster Abbey Inn, where the pebbles were embedded in a coarse red sand overlaid by greenish-gray marl. It has been met with as far east, however, as the first brickyard on Carlton Road, where it was penetrated after passing through 105ft. of Lower Keuper. The only localities where this con- glomerate may now be seen to any advantage are in Calcutta Street, where the brown sandstone cropping out of the sloping ground from above the Bunter is studded as thickly as it will hold with pebbles, forming a band 22ft. across, with a thickness of about 3ft.; and in Red Lane, where it is seen encrusting the old surface of the Bunter. Although this section was carefully examined by Aveline, and described in his ‘‘ Memoir on the *This section has been opened out since the reading of the paper, and is, therefore, new; but it only bears out the views I had arrived at previously, and exemplifies, on # small scale, something of the character of the unconformity as shown by the more extensive and elaborate exposures of the junction now (Jan.) being made at Nottingham. GEOLOGY OF EAST NOTTINGHAM. 83 Nottingham District,” (Sheet 71, N.E.,) he either did not observe this con- glomerate at all, or mistook it to belong to the Bunter, for he mentions a less important conglomerate, about 16ft. higher up in the Keuper, but says nothing about the conglomerate at the bottom. This second con- glomerate is well exposed in the section in Turner Street, also in the open ground at Belle Vue Terrace, at the top of Calcutta Street. Its maximum thickness is 12in., and it consists of small white and pink sub-angular quartz pebbles, flakes of fine red marl, pebbles of pink and white limestone, fine-grained light green sandstone, and bits of igneous rock embedded, in one spot in calcareous fine yellow sand, in another in calcareous greenish-white sandstone. Indeed, I found quartz pebbles distributed more or less throughout the lower beds of the Keuper sand- stone along Blue Belle Hill. With regard to the origin of the conglomerate forming the base of the Keuper, it is, of course, well not to attempt to draw conclusions in geology from too limited an area. There can be no doubt, however, that in this conglomerate, with its associated irregularly-stratified beds of sandstone, we have the remains of an ancient sea-beach—the shore of the sea in whichthe Keuper sandstone and clay were deposited. The pebbles composing the conglomerate are all such as may be seen in the underlying Bunter ; the partially consolidated sandstone is easily recog- nised as Bunter sandstone that has been bleached, then re-deposited, and subsequently tinged with colouring matter. We know that the Bunter sandstone formed the land surface over a large part of England during what was probably a long interval, while the Muschelkalk of Germany was being deposited. Thus the conglomerate probably represents a great break in time in this part of England; and the fact that the plane of Bunter on which the conglomerate rests is inclined at a greater angle than the dip of the Bunter, as far as that dip can be ascertained, leads me to infer that the old Bunter land was gradually submerged from an easterly direction, during which the pebbles which probably more or less covered the land-surface came to be re-deposited and cemented with carbonate of lime and magnesia, and partially interstratified with bleached sand derived from the receding shore line. FRESHWATER LIFE.—1. ENTOMOSTRACA. BY EDWIN SMITH, ESQ., M.A. [Continued from page 17.} Passing to the second order, which is named Copepoda, we select for description the well-known Cyclops quadricornis. A lively female specimen, let us suppose, with egg-sacs attached, is, after repeated attempts with the dipping-tube, at length safely landed in the live-box. What isshe like? We observe that the carapace is made up of many parts corresponding to the segments of the body. Four segments com- pose the thorax, the first, with which the head is consolidated, being very large. The abdomen counts six rings, and terminates in a forked tail. Standing out conspicuously from the head are two pairs of antenne, each of the larger being made up of numerous joints, and all four armed with bristles. The mouth has a pair of strongly toothed mandibles, besides a first and second pair of foot-jaws, between which and the antennz the breathing function appears to be divided. There are five pairs of feet, the four pairs useful for locomotion springing from the four divisions of the thorax. Each foot is itself double, andall are thickly furnished with 84 FRESHWATER LIFE. bristles. The first sesment of the abdomen is small, and carries a fifth pair of feet, modified in both sexes to subserve the reproductive process. In the male the next two segments are distinct ; in the female not. The larger antennz of the male swell out about the middle, and make a hinge- joint behind the swelling, peculiarities wanting in those of the female. The adult female, in the breeding season, carries two external oyisacs, fastened one on each side, near the base of the abdomen. They must not be confounded with the true ovaries, which are internal. They are only a temporary shield, secreted by the female around each bundle of eggs atthe time of laying them, and are ruptured and finally shaken off when the eggs are hatched. Lastly, one eye placed in the front of the head serves as the single organ of vision. It is often of a brilliant ruby colour, especially in young specimens. As in most other genera so in this, the females are much more numerous than the males, The fact is no doubt connected with another peculiarity, which has been termed parthenogenesis. One impregnation enables a female Cyclops to go on laying successive batches of eggs for life. And the female progeny are themselves fertile, though carefully isolated as soon as born; and so on for several generations. The rate of increase of some species of Entomostraca is enormous. According 10 Jurine it is quite possible for a single female to be the progenitor during one year of many millions of young. But, practically, the rate of increase is checked by various aquatic enemies, the vast majority of the: young being simply born to be eaten. There are few more interesting spectacles under the microscope than the hatching of a brood of Cyclops: When'the time draws near the little things are seen all huddled together ina cluster, each in its separate pocket of the ovisac, peeping through the membranous veil with bright ruby-coloured eye. You single out one for special observation, and feel a growing interest as you watch the repeated struggles of the tiny prisoner, its final escape, and its first joys of liberty, as it darts away in the surrounding water, with the jerky, zigzag motion of its parent. Nor is it less interesting afterwards to note from day to day the changes of form and successive moultings by which the adult state is reached, Three moultings take place before the animal is perfect, and capable of producing its species. Nearly related to Cyclops, and not much unlike it in appearance, is Canthocamptus, found abundantly in the ponds about Nottingham, As it is rather small, the best way to secure a specimen for examination is to place a portion of the gathering in a shallow dish, and look it well over with a pocket lens. A small dipping tube, made as follows, will be found useful :—One énd must be drawn to a blunt point with moderate aperture, the other inserted into a short piece of india-rubber tubing, sealed air tight at the free extremity. The length of the glass part may be about | two inches. Press the india-rubber between thumb and fore-finger, dip into the water, and by removing pressure at the right moment the object is sucked up into the tube, whence it may be expelled by once more pinching the india-rubber. The two commonest species of Cantho- camptus are C. minutus and C. furcatus. In the female I have often found a curious reddish structure coming off from the sixth body segment, It is of a hard and horny nature, but its use is not known. Closely .. allied to the preceding is Diaptomus castor, easily recognised by its inferior antenns, which are fully as long as the entire body. I have found it amongst alge in stagnant drains. Animals belonging to the first two orders of Entomostraca have comparatively few branchiew, and these attached to the appendages of the mouth. Animals belonging to the remaining two orders have many branchisw, and these attached to the legs, which are often numerous. FRESHWATER LIFE. 385 The latter are sometimes grouped together under the common designation of Branchiopoda, or the gill-footed division. To that division we now proceed. To the third order, the Cladocera, belong the various species of Daphnia and its near relations. Let us first examine a full-grown Daphnia, preferably one of the larger species, say D. pulex or D. vetula. We see a body composed of two parts, the head terminating below in a sort of beak, and a thorax and abdomen, the two last enclosed in a nearly transparent carapace. In D. pulex the carapace tapers off behind in a long dagger-shaped point. In D. mucronata it bears two long spines at the posterior corners. In D. vetula it is lopped off bluntly and slant- ingly forwards. In D. reticulata it is marked with a network of lines over its surface; and in Acroperus harpe these lines resemble the strings of a harp. Below the beak are a pair of exceedingly small antenns, so small that they may be easily overlooked. Springing, as it were, from the neck, we see a pair of very large branched antenne. These are the principal organs of locomotion. The eye consists of twenty crystalline lenses, or fewer, and is turned about on a cushion of appropriate tissue by two sets of muscles. This coarsely compound organ may be regarded as foreshadowing the highly perfect compound eye of insects. Just behind the eye may be seen the brain. At the junction of the head and body near the base of the beak, is situated the mouth, which opens into a short gullet, and that again into a roomy stomach with its two cx#xca; and then follows a straight intestine, which finally curves downwards towards the tail. Only the first segment of the body is adherent to the carapace, the rest moving quite freely between the valves. Ample room is thus afforded on the back of the animal for the accommodation of its eggs after they are laid; and there, accordingly, the eggs are carried about in a bundle till they are hatched. The tail, which terminates in two hooks, is used as a rudder and propeller. Its motions are very vigorous. If you look through the shell at that part of the body which succeeds the neck, you will notice an oval-shaped organ, which keeps regularly dilating and contracting. This is the heart. From its anterior extremity springs an artery, and on opposite sides of the heart are two slits which receive the blood from the surrounding cardiac chamber, and close up at each contraction while the blood is urged forwards. There are five pairs of legs, employed for other purposes than swimming. When the animal is at rest, they create currents in the water, and so bring food to the mouth. ‘The first and second pairs are used as organs of prehension. The third and fourth pairs mainly subserve respiration, for which they are well adapted by their branchial plates fringed with numerous filaments. Ihave already remarked upon the extraordinary fecundity of many of the Entomostraca. The Daphnize are no excep- tions to the rule, and present similar phenomena of parthenogenesis. The development of the embryo may easily be watched through the thin carapace, and is, of course, extremely interesting. The first organ to show itself is the eye; on the fifth day from laying, the young Daphnie come out, and then go through their series of moultings. One great advantage of the moulting process to the Entomostraca is, that they are thus able to rid themselves of troublesome infusorial parasites, which often lodge upon the carapace in great numbers, and seriously retard the movements and depress the vitality of their host. Bunches of Epistylis are very common upon Cyclops and Daphnia. Towards the approach of winter, the Daphniew have the remarkable habit of enveloping eggs in a special casing between the outer and inner layer of the carapace. This casing, which is developed on the back of the mother, has been called the ephippium, from its fancied resemblance to a saddle. It will easily be recognised by the microscopist.. When the skin is cast, this structure is 36 FRESHWATER LIFE. cast along with it; and, floating on the water, preserves the eggs through the cold season, till they are hatched by the returning warmth of spring. In July, 1870, I found in a shallow pool-on the turfy soil of Lindow Common, Cheshire, a good many examples of one of the Daphnia family, which, from its long bristles, bears the name of Macrothrix. My speci- mens corresponded to Baird’s description, except that a particular bristle mentioned by him was wanting in my capture. I had possibly chanced upon a new variety. The superior antenne are of considerable size, . hanging from the beak like two flat swords, with a broad, straight-edged extremity. While watching an example in the live-box, what was my astonishment to observe some of the parts suddenly become double. One after the other, the hinder segment, its hooked spines, the beak, superior antennz, and so on, appeared double; and it became evident that I was the fortunate witness of the moulting process. I at once mounted the whole affair in glycerine, and my Macrothrix now lies side by side with its cast-off skin. One other family of the Cladocera should be mentioned, if only because it contains Chydorus sphericus, a very common species in our stagnant ponds. The Lynceide (for so the family is called) may be recognised by a black spot situated in front of the eye, and looking not much unlike a second eye, which, however, it is not. The intestine, moreover, makes one complete turn and ahalf. To the same family belong Lurycercus lamellatus and Acroperus harpe, both of which occur in this neighbour- hood. The latter is fond of resting on the top of the water, moored by its antenne to a bit of weed; or a cluster of them will collect round some floating leaf or sprig, and lie motionless in the warm sunshine as if asleep. Of the last order, Phyllopoda, we shall cite only one example, Cheirocephalus diaphanus, or the Fairy Shrimp. I have not yet seen it alive, but those who have speak with enthusiasm of its singular beauty. The male is especially gorgeous. With regard to anatomy, the body is destitute of a carapace, and is divided into many segments, affording great freedom of movement. The male has a remarkable pair of inferior antennse, employed essentially as clasping organs. Those of the female are simpler, being shaped like a broad sickle. There are two stalked eyes, each composed of an immense number of lenses, showing a further advance towards the insect type. Its young, however, has but one simple eye, placed centrally in front of the head. This is represented in the adult by a dark blind spot. No fewer than eleven segments compose the thorax, to each of which is attached a pair of branchial feet, of a broad and leaf-like form. The tail consists of two broad appendages; and both feet and tail are thickly beset with plumose hairs. Extending from the head to near the tail may be discerned about eighteen or nineteen small hearts, or quasi-hearts, placed end to end and all moving together. The female possesses a single external ovary, from which, at the proper time, from 100 to 400 eggs are jerked out in succession during twenty-four hours. When hatched the young undergo a series of moultings and changes of form before they finally resemble their parent. We have now completed our illustrations of Freshwater Entomos- traca. I shall not at present enter into any description of the marine kinds. Specimens of their empty carapaces, particularly of the Ostracoda, may be found in the sand of our coasts, and will often occur to the searcher after foraminifera. I have thus obtained examples of Cythereis and Cythere. I have also taken, near Penmaenmawr, a good many Cetochilus, a rather striking form resembling Cyclops. The Entomostraca have played an important part in the life-history of the globe from the earliest epoch to the most recent. They have been sitet FRESHWATER LIFE. 57 well represented through untold ages from Cambrian times to the present day. Their remains, especially of the Ostracoda and Phyllopoda, occur in all formations, and in some are so abundant as to give a peculiar foliated character to the rock containing them. A few books of reference may not be unwelcome to the student. Before all the very complete manual of the British Entomostraca by Dr. Baird, published by the Ray Society; then the portions bearing upon the subject in Professor Huxley’s ‘‘ Anatomy of the Invertebrate Animals,” and Professor Nicholson’s ‘‘ Zoology and Paleontology ;” lastly, the splendid monographs on the fossils of the group by Professor Rupert Jones, the Rev. H. W. Crosskey, and others, published by the Palscontological Society. With such help, the systematic study of our old friends, the so-called water-fleas, will be found replete with interest. THY, CHLOROPHYLL-BODY AND ITS RELATION TO STARCH. BY WILLIAM HINDS, ESQ., M.D., ETC., ETC., PROFESSOR OF BOTANY, QUEEN’S COLLEGE, BIRMINGHAM. In the year 1865 I read a paper to the British Association for the Advancement of Science, an abstract of which was printed in their Transactions, to show the relation which existed between the chlorophyll-body and the starch granule. At the present time the views of some of the most eminent botanists of Germany appear to me to be, to a certain extent, approaching to the conclusions to which I have referred. What these conclusions are it is my purpose to show. If we refer to the great English botanists of twenty years ago, we shall find them describing chlorophyll as a ‘“‘ vital secretion” suz generis or independent body. One of our great authors of that period, who wrote on this subject, thus expresses himself in his Introduction to Botany* :—‘‘ Chlorophyll is a ‘ vital seeretion,’ and comprises ‘coloured granules’ of a ‘ spheroidal and irregular figure.’ They ‘consist of a semifluid, gelatinous substance, which seems to be a coagulum of the fluid contents of the cells.’” Niageli states that the parent cells of chlorophyll “ are only half the size of starch, and that ‘‘ they occur in company with starch grains.” In 1851 Mr. J. S. Quekett delivered, at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, a course of lectures on Histology, and on the subject of chlorophyll occurs the following:—‘‘The green colour, so universally present in plants, is due to a more or less solid material contained in cells, and termed chlorophylle, or green vegetable wax.” It consists of minute spherical or oval particles. Dr. J. H. Balfour, in his Manual of Botany, 1860, page 11, states that ‘‘Chlorophylle, or the green colouring matter of plants, floats in the fiuid of cells, accompanied by starch grains. It differs from starch in being confined to the superficial parenchyma, and in being principally associated with the phenomena of active vegetable life. It has a granular form, is soluble in alcohol, appears’to be analogous to wax in its composi- tion, and is developed under the agency of light.” * Lindley, fourth edition, page 138. 38 THE CHLOROPHYLL-BODY. These quotations will serve to illustrate the confusion which existed formerly, and which even now exists in many minds as to the relation which the two bodies bear to each other. In the paper to which I have alluded, I endeavoured to show, contrary to the then received view, that starch granules and chlorophyll bodies were really the same bodies, chlorophyll granules being merely and essentially starch granules pigmented, or coloured, on some part or parts of their surface, of a green colour, by the action of light; that it was a chemical product rather than a vital secretion, or not in a fuller sense than starch was; and that, if the starch granule were not a living entity, as is the protoplasm, whence and by which it is produced, neither was the so-called chlorophyll granule, inasmuch as the colour could be produced by light without growth, or without any indication whatever of vital action. As proof of this I exhibited then, as [ have over and over again subsequently, potato tubers in which chlorisation or pigmentation had occurred, or a coating of green given to the surface of the peripheral starch granules, wherever exposed to light, and a certain temperature. This light need not be the sun’s direct rays, but it must be accompanied with a certain temperature in order that the chemical process shall take place. This may be easily proved. Clean potato tubers may be placed on a table, and be exposed to the direct rays of the sun, in a room the temperature of which does not exceed 40° to 45° Fah., and, if examined in ® week or more, it will be found that no chemical, or no appreciable chemical change has taken place, and no pigmentation or chlorisation has been effected. Repeat this experiment in a room with a temperature of 62° Fah., and in a week the surface exposed to light will have been densely chlorized, and without direct sun-light. Extend the exposure during a few more days, and the effect will be more intense. If, now, a small portion of the substance of this green peripheral matter be scraped off and mounted in water and examined by the microscope, it will be seen that in the short space of a few days the starch granules will have been converted into what are termed chlorophyll bodies or granules; but in reality showing, inferentially, that there is no such substance at all as « chlorophyll-granule as distinct from the starch grain. It maybe added that, if exposed to light and a proper temperature, granules of starch are pigmented or chlorized more or less, so soon as they are secreted, or take on substance, as seen in leaves and other organs primarily exposed to light. Hence, uncoloured starches are known to inhabit the parts of plants excluded from light, as pith, rhizomes, subterranean stems, and fruits protected by bracts impenetrable to light. T quote one short passage from the article alluded to, and must further refer the reader to the report itself.* ‘‘ During several years of close examination of vegetable tissue, the author has found the attempt to divide these two substances (starch and chlorophyll) into two distinct bodies a source of perplexity; and, after a series of experiments and investigations, he arrived at the conclusion that these two series of granules must be considered fundamentally the same, one series being merely coloured or chlorized.” I shall now quote one or two short passages from the latest German authorities, to show views more or less approximative to those expressed by me in 1865, and that the tendencies of the most recent scientific opinion are certainly in this direction. Sachs} states that ‘ with extremely few exceptions, grains of starcht * Report of British Association, 1866, page 81. } Julius Sachs, 1875 translation, page 46, } The italics are my own. THE CHLOROPHYLL-BODY. 59 arise in the homogeneous solid substance of the chlorophyll bodies.” They are at first visible as points, gradually increase in size, and finally may so completely fillup the space of the chlorophyll grain that the green substance is represented only by a fine coating on the mature starcn grain ; even this coating may, under certain circumstances, disappear.” The history in brief of the chlorophyll body, and, allowing for varia- tions, the result of varying conditions and cireumstances, would seem to be that the starch granule is first separated from the protoplasm by the ordinary vital processes ; and then, according to conditions and circum- stances, either becomes pigmented and assumes the condition of chloro- phyll, or else remains, as it does usually when excluded from light, an unpigmented granular body, and, growing by intussusception into the perfect, enveloped starch grain, with its ordinary physical characters of hilum and concentric markings, and having in this state its known and recognised chemical characteristics. This view receives some confirma- tion from the following passage from Rosanoff.* ‘‘ The formation of the grains of the chlorophyll is not always contemporaneous with that of its colouring matter; they may be at first colourless, (as in Vaucheria and Bryopsis, according to Hofmeister.) or yellow (in the case of leaves of Monocotyledons or Dicotyledons imperfectly exposed to light or in the process of development,) and may afterwards become green.” Of course it must not be assumed by any means that no pigmented red, (Rhodospermez, &c.,) green, or yellow matter occurs except in the form of regular granules, for amylaceous products are known and acknowledged to be often amorphous. The acknowledged chlorophyll pigmented matters and particles too are also known to occur sometimes in ‘“‘bands, stars, or irregular masses.” In fact there is no limit to this informality, variation, or irregularity ; moreover, light itself can be dispensed with in some cases. In Angiosperms light is understood to be essential to pigmentation or chlorisation, but fern-leaves and the cotyledons of Gymnosperms will become pigmented without light. The conclusions which I first made known in 1866, and which I may here partly reproduce, were that the almost universal green of nature is essentially amylaceous, and can, therefore, supply fuel, at least in the matter of food, to animals. Though partly decolourised in dried grass, the same amylaceous principle is yet present. The nutritive properties of hay, which can of itself support animal life, can scarcely depend on the cellular tissue alone, and certainly not exclusively on the small propor- tion of nitrogen contained, nor on the fruits which, in the minor grasses, are insignificant. On the other hand, amylaceous matters are known to be intensely nutritive, as affording one main element of animal food, and not only so, but those parts of plants in which this proximate principle is concentrated are nutritive in proportion to the amount of that concentration. THE RAINFALL OF 1877. BY W. J. HARRISON, F.G.S. Incomplete and imperfect as it must needs be from the early date of its publication, and from the fact that our staff of observers is as yet not fully organised, still the main features of the Rainfall of the past year in the Midland counties may be gathered from the table which we print below. In it the stations are grouped in counties, and the fall at a few other localities is given at the end for the purpose of comparison. For the * See translation Sachs, page 49. 40 RAINFALL OF 1877. third year in succession the general rainfall over this district has been considerably above the average. Heavy rains in January, following similar downfalls in December of 1876, produced frequent floods. On January 3rd a steady and continuous downpour proved the maximum fall of the year in the eastern and east-central counties, and wet and cold weather continued to the end of April. May was also a cold month, but in June we had a remarkably fine and pleasant period, rainfall every- where in England below the average, and falling on eight to ten days only. A heavy storm on July 14th (accompanied by electrical disturb- ances) caused the maximum fall in the western and west-central Midlands, over three inches falling in the twenty-four hours at Haughton Hall, Shifnal. August was wet, September about the average, but October was rather a fine month, followed, however, by frequent rains to the end of the year. SBR Total | Greatest fall |, § E F Station. Observer. Fall.) 26 Hourgys 19 ye ae Inches.| Im | Date. a4 = wen Norton-in-Hales, Salop...... Rev. Fred. Silver ........ 39°59 | 1°65 |July 14) 139 Burford House, Tenbury..../Lord Northwick ........ 28°69 — = —_ Adderley Rectory, Salop..../Rev. A. Corbet .......... 38°52, | 2°82 |July 14] 219 Larden Hall, Much Wenlock Miss F. Rouse Boughton | 3597 | 1:44 |July 14) 218 Leaton Vicarage, Shrewsbury) Rev. EB. V. Pigott........ 32°39 | 1°35 |Sep. '-2). 914 Woolstaston, Salop ........ ROYs nei. CALE er cree. 4475 | 1:44 |Aug.' 15] 232 Haughton Hall, Shifnal ..../Rev. J. Brooke .......... 34:99 | 3:04 JJuly 14) 212 * Tenbury (Orleton) .7...... T. H. Davis; Hsd:... . ss 33:35,.|. 0°92 |July.14]. ; 295 St. John’s, Worcester ...... G. B. Wetherall, Esq. ..| 29%6 | 1:06 |\July 15) 184 Damworthe. LO. Gea. VAG: W. Arnold, Esq. ........ 30°54 | 185 |July 14) 196 Alstonfield Vicarage ........ Rev. W. H. Purchas ....| 4848 | 2°23 |July 14) 191 Wolverhampton ............ Geo. J. C. Broom, Esq...| 29°79 —- — — Burton-on-Trent............ C. OU. Enipp. Bisd..sss sacs 31°89 | 1:91 |July 14) 216 Ooventry 2h. 099s, PEW Oe J. Guison, Esq........... 31°41 | 1:32 |July 14) - 198 Bickenhill, near Birmingham|Rev. W. R. Capel........ 32°54 | 1:37 |July 14) 204 COUN CODA Bye elt clilrases heres Col. Caldicott .......... 32°11 | 1°28 |July 14). 205 Fernslope, Belper .......... J. G. Jackson, Esq....... 38°08 | 2:21 jJuly 14) 931 Trent College, Derbyshire ..|C. U. Tripp, Esq......... 22°74 | 1°07 |Jan. 3] 9 184 Matlock Bath \...........0.. RK. Chadwick. Esq., jun. | 46°52 | 1°80 July 15) 195 Stony Middleton, Sheffield ../Rev. U. Smith {......... 46'79 | 2°98 |Jan. 3) 175 Hodsock Priory, Worksop ..|H. Mellish, Msq. ........ 31:27 | 1:49 |Sep. 2] 208 TAVIS SMOLG. cn mecitecieeues niet s ealyreny Rat sere 34:83 | 151 Jan. 3) 944 Nottingham ............ ....|/Meteorological Office....| 29°94 = _ = Bruntingthorpe, Leicester ..|Rev. F. H. Bridges ...... 28°72 —_ _ _— Syston, Leicestershire ...... Jos. Hames, Hsq......... 25°02 _ _ — Leicester, Town Museum ..|/W.J. Harrison, Wsq.....| 25°94 | 0°87 |April 9) 197 Leicester, Belmont Villas ..|H. Billson, Hsq. ........| 25°80 | 0°87 |April 9) 197 Market Harborough ..... |S NVA fo). 781017 BERR ORRIN 29°98 _ “= — Coston, Melton Mowbray....|Rev. A. M. Rendell ......| 28°68 ae —- foe Waltham...) ih. P VMirvBy Ball... Xu wie] 28:67 — — _ Harston (Grantham) F. Beasley, Esq. ........ 29°12 — — -- Springfield, Peterborough ../H. Whitwell, Esq. ...... 21°67 _— = _ USB IMOLILIE Wee so. g:nte.s.ciere henge cag John Wallis, Esq. ......] 27°41 — _ _ Northampton, Sedgebrooke |C. Markham, Esq. ...... 29°23 | 1:09 |Jan. 8] 210 Northampton ....)..0.30.54 Hi. TeraypHaqi Desitsse, : 27°05 | 1:03 |\Jan, 38) 187 Castle Ashby, Northampton |R. G. Scriven, Esq....... 2669 | 1:08 Jan, 3) 198 Tickencote, Rutland........ W. Haye Bed i AGANO MIE 24°61 | 1:47 |Jan, 38) * 182° Wet aes sste ee e Meteorological Office....} 29:00 | — — _ Camporese rae Joe Meteorological Office....| 26°47 _ _ yy 1 0} (21. RAN AO Grea Meteorological Office....} 34°12 a _ — *Oirencester. io. hy. 0. J. Bravender, Esq. ...... 87:15 | 1:45 [July 14) 191 Warm oush oady ssstars ese. wale Meteorological Office....| 28°35 = = = LO CME sofa Bitar ahs sialiss tana pae 6 T. W. Wallis, Esq. ...... 3118 | 166 |Sep. 2 — DSOBLOLUme ete nctecietniors cic es W.H. Wheeler, Esq. ....| 26°14 | 1:28 Jan. $8) 194 AYAIT Hasso acai fog aia ag, 6 nie Wa eo, Meteorological Office....| 33°19 _ - _ * Seathwaite, Borrowdale ../Mr. T. Birkett .......... 180'40 | 4:78 |Sep. 12} 244 Valentia, S.W. Ireland ...... Meteorological Office....| 65°09 — - _ Altarnun Vicarage, Cornwall/C. U. Tripp, Esq......... 7811 | 1:79 |Aug. 26] 236 * From Symons’ Meteorological Magazine. ~ re GENUS ROSA IN WARWICKSHIRE. 41 THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE GENUS ROSA IN WARWICKSHIRE. * BY JAMES E. BAGNALL. ** Yon rose-buds in the morning dew, How pure amang the leaves sae green.” Burns. The beauty of the English wild rose is such that even the most unscientific wanderer through our country lanes instinctively gathers, examines, (doubtless superficially,) and naturally loves it. But a wild rose is a dog rose to the casual observer and nothing more. If I were to tell these non-botanical collectors into how many species, varieties, and forms, critical botanists have split up the genus, and that one of my greatest pleasures has been that of hunting up these forms, they would probably think me in a fair way for a lunatic asylum. Unattractive as such studies must naturally be to the uninitiated, to me they have a charm I cannot express, and I would any day cheerfully walk many miles to see a rare rose or a rare bramble. When I first commenced the study of the family, I had only the fifth edition of Babington’s Manual as a text book, which, excellent as.it is in other points, scarcely seemed satisfactory in its treatment of this genus; hence it was that I hailed with pleasure the appearance of Mr. J. G. Baker's valuable monograph of the genus Rosa, published in Vol. XI. of the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society, 1869,” (page 197.) Being thus provided with a good andcomplete guide, I recommenced the study of the roses of Warwickshire. The sandy soils and neglected hedges of many parts of the county seem to favour both the growth and variability of the wild rose, and I soon found abundant materials for study. But before eommencing to study this difficult genus in the field I obtained from the Rev. A, Bloxam a fairly complete fasciculus of the British roses, and during the winter of 1869-70 I carefully examined these, comparing each with the descriptions given in Mr. Baker’s monograph. The knowledge thus obtained has served me much in my subsequent work. During the years that have since elapsed I have visited and collected specimens in nearly every available Warwickshire district, and the specimens collected have all been carefully compared with my type specimens and the descriptions in the monograph. Many of the districts south of Warwick I have visited in company with my friend, Mr. H. Bromwich, an excellent botanist, who has paid special attention to this genus, and has worked with great success most of the country around Warwick. In the neighbourhood of Harboro Magna, near Rugby, I have had the company, guidance, and instruction of that learned and veteran botanist, the Rev. A. Bloxam, who is Rector of the village. In my notes I quote some of Mr. Bloxam’s old stations, near Atherstone, a district worked by him in former days. The following list may, therefore, be considered as the result of the Rev. A. Bloxam’s, Mr. H. Bromwich’s, and my own observations, extending over many years. It is, I believe, a fairly complete list of the Warwickshire roses. The nomenclature and classification adopted is that of Mr. Baker’s monograph, in which he divides the genus into five primary groups, viz. : 1, Sprnosissim# ; 2, Vintos#; 3, Rupicinosm; 4, Canin; and5, Systyim. _* Abstract of Paper read before “The Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society.’ EF 42, GENUS ROSA IN WARWICKSHIRE. The Canines, which Mr. Baker considers to be only varieties of one species, are divided into three series, and each of these series into several varieties, by means of their fruit characters, the margination and clothing of their leaves, &c. My space is too limited to allow all these details to be noticed, and I can only refer the student who wishes to make a special study of the genus to Mr. Baker’s excellent monograph, or to Dr. Hooker’s ‘ Student’s Flora of the British Islands.” In all cases in which I have seen and collected specimens in the stations cited I have indicated it by this sign (+) ; where I only possess or have seen dried specimens, thus ({). The initials A. B. and H. B. after a locality indicate that the plants have been found in those stations by the Rev. A. Bloxam or Mr. H. Bromwich, as the case may be; in all other cases the localities given are from my own note book. Group 1.—Sprnosissiuz. Rosa Sprrnosissma, (L.) Local. Arrow, near Alcester +, Billesley +, Hazeler+, Oakley +, H. B., near Warwick. Var. b, a form with aciculate fruit and peduncles is rare. Chesterton Wood t, H. B., Little Alne +. R. ryvonuta var. Sapini, (Woods.) Rare. Oakley t, H. B., Chesterton Wood +, H. B. Var. Graciuis, (Woods.) A more robust form occurs, rarely, which Mr. Bromwich refers to this variety; to me it seems only a local form. Tachbrook }+, H. B. Var. Donrana, (Woods.) Rare. Woodloes +, H. B., near Warwick, lane’ from Hampton to Meriden +, near Allesley }, (T. Kirk.) Group 2.—VinLoss. R. Motisssima (Willd.) Rare. Grove Park}, near Hatton, Star Lane ft, near Claverdon, lane from Solihull to Sharman’s Cross +, Atherstone Road, near Over Whitacre +, Oakley +, H.B. The Warwickshire plant seems to be var. cxerulea, (Woods.) R. Tomentosa, (Sm.) A very variable plant, closely approaching the above through some of its varieties. Var. a; Susanoposa, (Smith.) Seems to be a frequent form in the county. Sutton Park +, Anstey +, Packwood +, near Exhall +, Chesterton Wood, H. B. A very hairy glandular form occurs in Arrow Lane +, Tybourn Lane, near Umberslade |, Coleshill Heath +. Var. Desrcriser, (Bor.) Mr. Bloxam’s fasciculus from Rugby f, is @ form with eglandular sepals, and leaves thinly hairy above. I find a similar form at Rowington + and Monkspath +. Var. Cusprpara, (Bieb.) Bloxam’s fasciculus, Atherstone}, is a form with small narrow acute leaves, with open compound serrations, and strongly glandular beneath. I also find it by Yarningal Common }+. Var. Scasriusouna, (Smith.) Tachbrook, H. B., {, Trickley Coppice +. R. Syivesrris, (Woods.) Rare. Near Harboro Magna, A. B., t, Chesterton Wood, H. B., {.* Group 8.—Rvpicmosz. R. Rusrarnosa (L.) Rare. Near Billesley, H. B., Bentley Heath +, Crackley Wood, H. B. R. Mrorantua, (Smith.) Local. Oakley +, H.B., Ladies’ Wood, Ragley +, Whewporridge Lane +, near Shustoke |, lane from Coleshill Heath }+, lane from Anstey to Arley Station }. Var. Bricesi, (Baker.) A cultivated plant in the Churchyard at Harboro Magna +. Mr. T. R. Archer Briggs refers the plant from this station to R. scabriuscula. GENUS ROSA IN WARWICKSHIRE. 43 R. Putvervienta, (M. Bieb.) Rare. Field in Cathiron Lane, and by the railway crossing, both near Harboro Magna ft, A. B. Var. Bruuretiu, (Puget.) Allesley {. Introduced here by Rev. Mr. Bree, from near Bidford. Group 4.—Canivz. * Series 1, Ecristates. Leaveseglandular beneath. Sepals reflexed after the fall of the petals, deciduous before the fruit (which ripens late) changes colour.” *«« Leaves glabrous on both surfaces. Peduncles not bristly.” R. Canrna, (Z.) Var. 1, Louretiana, (Leman.) A frequent variety. Marston Green }. Var. 2, Surncuntosa, (Woods.) Rare. A more robust form, with numerous flowers in a cluster. Exhall +, Arrow Lane +, Marston Green +. Var. 3, SpH#rica, (Gren.) Rare. A form with leaves more rounded at base, and globose fruit. Dosthill +, near Moor Hall, near Sutton +. Var. 4, Senticosa, (Ach.) Rare. Near Knowle Station+, Coleshill Heath +. Var. 5, Dumais, (Bechst.) A very frequent variety. Var. 6, Biserrata, (Merat.) A more glandular form, with open very compound serrations, apparently rare. Exhall +, Harboro Magna }. ve Gleaves glabrous above, hairy on veins beneath. Peduncles not ristly.”’ Var. 7, Ursica, (Leman.) A frequent variety. Solihull +, &c. A small, neat-leaved form, with oblong, (not globose) fruit, occurs in lane from Stonebridge to Coleshill +. A form with glaucous leaves, wedge shaped at base, near Hampton + and near Langley +. Var. Arvatica, (Baker.) Local. Lane out of Baker’s Lane, near Knowle +, Hampton-in-Arden +, Curdworth Bridge +, Baulk Lane, Berkswell t, Drayton Bushes +, lane from Minworth to Water Orton +, Harboro Magna +, A. B., Rowington Green +. A small-leayed form in Sutton Park +. *** «Teaflets more or less hairy on both surfaces. Peduncles not bristly.” Var. 10, Doumetorvm, (Thuill.) Local. Near Middleton +, Haywoods +, Doe bank, near Sutton +, Hampton-in-Arden, near Patrick Bridge +, Baker Lane, near Knowle +, Marl Cliff, near Bidford +. Var. 11, Prornosa, (Baker.) A form with glaucous, doubly serrate leaves. Rare. Near Springfield House, Over Whitacre +. Var. 12, Incana, (Woods.) A more pubescent, glandular form. Rare. Pinley, near Hatton +. Var. 124, Osrusiroi1a, (Desv.,) Local. Lane to Beausal Common +, Solihull +, Marstone Green +, Baulk Lane, Berkswell +, Bradnocks Marsh, near Hampton. Var. 13, TomentEeLLa, (Leman), Local, but not rare. Near Solihull t, Hampton-in-Arden +, Atherstone +, Hartshill +, Kingswood }. **** « Peduncles more or less bristly and glandular.” Var. 14, AnpEvacENsiIs, (Bast.) Local, but widespread. Pinley Green +, Lane at Myton +, Whewporridge Lane, Solihull +, Golden Cross Lane, Exhall +, near Castle Bromwich +. Var. 15, VerticinuacantHa, (Merat.) Frequent. This form I have found in every district, Sohihull, &c. A form having sepals glandular on the back is more rare. Cold Comfort, near Alcester +, and in lane from Stonebridge to Coleshill +. A small, neat-leaved form, leaves like those of sepium, and sepals glandular on back occurs in Sutton Park + and near Shustoke +. 44 GENUS ROSA IN WARWICKSHIRE. Var. 16, Contra, (Jacq.) Rare. Over Green, near Curdworth +. Var. 17, Casta, (Smith.) Local. Whewporridge Lane, Solihull +, lane at Pinley +, Harboro Magna +, A. B., Over Green +, Water Orton f. Var. 19, Decrprens, (Dumort.) Rare. Near Harboro Magna +, A. B., Doebank, near Sutton +. Neither of the Warwickshire forms haye the glandular sepals of the type. ‘Series 2, Subscristatee. Leaves eglandular beneath. Sepals ascending after the fall of the petals, not deciduous till after the fruit (which ripens early) changes colour.” Var. 20, Reutent, (Godet.) Rare. Near Shelly Farm | and in Lane to Sharman’s Cross, both near Solihull +, near Mancetter. Var. 21, Susscristata, (Baker.) Rare. Pinley, near Hatton + H. B., Hampton on the Hill +, Old Park, near Warwick, H.B.., f. Var. 24, Cortrrouia, (Fries.) Rare. Over Green, near Curdworth +, Minworth +, Atherstone Road, near Nether Whitacre }+. Var. 25, Warsoni, (Baker.) Rare. Ashend, near Middleton +. ‘‘ Series 3, Subrubiginose. Leaves glandular beneath on the midrib and principal nerves only (not on the surface as in R. rubiginosa.)” Var. 27, Borreri, (Woods.) Rare. Woodloes, near Warwick |, H.B., Baulk Lane, near Berkswell} . Var. 26, Mararnata, (Wallroth.) Rare. Meadows near Blythe Bridge +, and near Shelly Farm +, Solihull. Group 5.—SystTyL™. R. Sysrvua, (Bast.) The typical plant has not yet been found in the county. R. Gauuicores, (Baker.) Chesterton Wood, near Warwick +, H. B. A remarkable form, not recorded from any other British station. R. Arvensis, (L.) Frequent. Marston Green +, Sutton, &e. +. R. Breracreata, (Bast.) Rare. Near Hatton Station +, Baulk Lane, Berkswell +, Chesterton Wood, H. B. R. Serosa. Chesterton Wood+, H.B. A singular variety, approaching Gallicoides, ( Baker.) Acbielv, The Voyage of the ‘* Challenger.” —The Atlantic : A preliminary account of the general results of the exploring voyage of H.M.S. ‘“ Challenger,” during the year 1873 and the early part of the year 1876. By Sir C. WyvinuE Tuomson, Knt., LL.D., D.Sce., F.R.SS.L. &@E., &c., Director of the Civilian Staff of the ‘‘ Challenger” Exploring Expedition. 2 vols. Published by the authority of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. London: Macmillan and Co. 1877. Price 45s. TuEst handsome, interesting, and instructive volumes are the latest contribution to the history of deep-sea investigation. They follow in natural sequence the author’s former work, ‘The Depths of the Sea,” which gave an account of the general results of the dredging cruises of the “ Lightning” and ‘ Porcupine,” 1868-69-70, the scientific work of which was under the direction of Sir Wyville Thomson, Dr. Carpenter, and Mr, J. Gwyn Jeffreys. These volumes in like manner deal with the Atlantic portion of the more recent voyage of H.M.S§. ‘* Challenger.” It must be borne in mind that these two volumes are only a preliminary instalment of the authoritative account of the general results of the ‘‘ Challenger” voyage, and that years may yet elapse before THE VOYAGE OF THE CHALLENGER. 45 the complete results can be published. From the address of Sir J oseph Hooker, at the recent anniversary of the Royal Society, we learn that the publication of the biological results of the Expedition have been arranged for by the Lords of the Treasury in communication with the Council of the nationality. Our own country has, with but few exceptions, supplied entirely competent and willing workers in most of the departments, while their association with such naturalists as Agassiz and Heckel cannot fail to be gratifying to themselves and assuring to the public. The primary object of the expedition was, as our readers are aware, to explore the conditions of the deep sea, and the staff consequently took every possible opportunity of making deep-sea observations, and in these depths, and also from time to time in shallow water in the most remote From the time when the « Challenger” left Sheerness, on December 7th, 1872, to her arrival at Spithead on 24th May, 1876, she traversed a distance of 68,890 nautical miles, and at intervals about 120 miles apart 362 observing stations, of which nearly 200 were in the Atlantic, were established. The observations made at each of these were, as far ag bottom. 8.—Samples of sea water were obtained from different depths. 9.—Atmospheric and other meteorological -conditions were carefully observed and noted. 10.—The direction and rate of the surface current was determined. 11.—At a few Stations an attempt was made to ascertain the direction and rate of movement of water at different depths. Of the many points on which the expedition has thrown light, we can only select a few for this notice. Many of our readers will, no doubt, recall the discussions which have taken place as to the origin of the portion of sea-bottom covered with what is known as ‘ globigerina-ooze,” or ‘‘modern chalk,” which consists usually of a creamy surface layer, made up of little else than the shells, most of them almost entire, of Globigerina, Pulvinulina, and Orbulina, with a relatively small proportion of finely divided matter, consisting chiefly of coccoliths and rhabdoliths, and a still smaller proportion of the Spines and tests of radiolarians and fragments of the spicules of sponges, &c. Below this layer occurs another, an inch or two in thickness, somewhat more firm in consistence, in which most of the shells of all kinds are more or less broken up, and their 46 THE VOYAGE OF THE CHALLENGER. fragments cemented together by a calcareous paste, the result of the complete disintegration of many of them, and beneath this a nearly uniform calcareous paste, coloured grey by decomposed organic matter, and containing whole and fragmentary shells only sparsely scattered through it (pp. 206-7, vol. I.) Mr. Murray, one of the naturalists of the expedition, paid great attention to the question of the origin of this calcareous formation. Very early in the voyage he formed the opinion that all the organisms entering into its composition at the bottom are dead, and that all of them live abundantly at the surface and at inter- mediate depths over the globigerina-ooze area, the ooze being formed by the subsiding of these shells to the bottom after death (p. 208, vol. I.) This, although not a new view, was a disputed one, Dr. Carpenter and Sir Wyville Thomson being formerly among those who thought that the evidence was conclusive that the foraminifera which formed the globigerina-ooze lived on the bottom. Sir Wyville (p. 210, vol. I.) now acknowledges that he was mistaken, and he is of opinion that it may ‘‘be taken as proved that all the materials of such deposits (with the exception, of course, of the remains of animals, which we now know to live at the bottom at all depths, and which occur in the deposit as foreign bodies) are derived from the surface.” ‘‘ Mr. Murray finds the closest relation to exist between the surface fauna of any particular locality and the deposit which is taking place at the bottom.” The voyage has made known to us a number of new and beautiful forms of Sponges. One of these, Huplectella suberea, a beautiful and singular addition to these forms of European fauna, is figured at page 139, vol. I. It belongs to a very special group of sponges called the HEXACTINELLIDZ, because the siliceous spicules throughout the family appear to be six-rayed. It is an old family abounding in many graceful shapes in the beds of chalk and greensand of the south of England, but until lately the fossil ‘‘ ventriculites”” were supposed to be extinct, and the discovery of their descendants living in the modern chalk beds of the Atlantic was one of the most interesting of the many corroborative evidences in favour of the view of the ‘‘ continuity of the chalk.” The expedition has much enlarged our knowledge of deep sea fauna. It has introduced us not only to new sponge forms but to numbers of new crustaceans, corals, sea urchins, star fishes, bryozoa, and fishes. The observations on the ‘‘Gulf-stream” and the fauna of the “gulf weed” (Sargassum bacciferum) are particularly interesting. During such a protracted voyage opportunities for landing on shore were always gladly made use of, and some of the descriptions of what was seen on these occasions will, we have no doubt, be among the most attractive portions of the narrative to general readers. We may point out the description of the Bermudas Islands, and the formation and characteristic peculiarities of coral reefs as a good specimen of Sir Wyville’s descriptive powers. The geology of the Bermudas is sketched slightly, but with much precision. Some curious particulars are given of a ‘‘ Sand-glacier” at Elbow Bay, on the southern shore of the main island. The sand has entirely filled up a valley, and is steadily progressing inland in a mass five and twenty feet thick. It is covering up cottages, and has overwhelmed a cedar wood. The only way of stopping it artificially, says our author, is to cover it with vegetation. If planted in large numbers and tended and watered for a time it seems that oleanders and the native juniper will grow in the pure sand, and if they once take root the motion of the sand ceases. Some native plants, which form a peculiar vegeta- tion, sending out enormously long runners or roots—such as Ipomea pes- capre and Coccoloba uvifera, and the crabgrass Agrostis virginica—then take hold of it and it becomes permanently fixed. The outer aspect of the sandhill of course slopes downwards towards the sea, and whenever THE VOYAGE OF THE CHALLENGER. 47 its progress landward—its growth—has been arrested the tendency of the incoherent mass is to travel back again by gravitation and the action of rain; accordingly it is not unusual to be told that one of these coulées is gradually disappearing. Among the more original and striking results of the expedition is the conclusive proof that ‘‘ the conditions of the bottom of the sea to all depths are not only such as to admit of the existence of animal life, but are such as to allow of the unlimited extension of the distribution of animals high in the zoological series, and closely in relation with the characteristic faunss of shallower zones” (page 203, vol. I.) Our readers will scarcely need reminding that until within recent years the general beliefwas / that beyond a certain very moderate depth in the ocean, organic life entirely ceased, and all was death } and darkness. \ The two volumes are illustrated by nearly 300 woodcuts of first-rate excellence, many of them we feel inclined to think unsurpassable. By the courtesy of Messrs. Macmillan and Co. we are enabled to Fig. 4. Fig. 5. present our readers with three specimens of them. They are all forms of the new order ‘ Challengerida,” ‘‘ the only new group,” says Sir Wyville Thom- son, ‘“‘ of higher than generic value which has come to light during the Challenger Expedition.” Figure 3 represents the type genus Challengeria, magnified 400 times. Figures 4 and 5 represent forms of the Challengerida. This order has apparently hitherto escaped observation. These forms are extremely minute, although some of them are nearly the size of the smaller Radiolarians, which they approach in certain features. About thirty species have been met with during the Challenger Expedition. There are numbers of charts, showing the routes and observing stations, tables of temperature and other meteorological information, a contour map of the Atlantic, and an exquisite vignette portrait of Sir Wyville Thomson, engraved by Mr. C. H. Jeens. Author, Artists, and Publishers are to be congratulated on the results of their several labours, and we venture to think that the volumes will attain a deservedly wide and_enduring popularity. E. W. B. 48 HISTORY OF SOCIETIES. History of the Societies im our Cian, I THE DUDLEY AND MIDLAND GEOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY AND FIELD CLUB. The Society under its present name was established in 1862, but for twenty years previously a somewhat similar one, called the Dudley and Midland Geological Society, had been in existence. When the Society took its present form Geological investigation was receiving much attention all over the country, and it was natural that its practical application should be recognised as of the greatest importance to a district so geologically interesting and mineralogically important as the South Staffordshire. Upwards of 500 members were soon drawn together, many of whom received at the early meetings those first impressions of the Sciences, and the impetus to enter on their study with earnestness, which has since yielded valuable results to themselves and others. Mr. John Jones—afterwards of Middlesborough—was the first Honorary Secretary, and rendered the Society most important help. In 1865 the British Association visited Birmingham, and the Dudley Society, by their valuable aid, greatly added to the interest of the meeting. In 1866 there was a notable Exhibition at Dudley, which afforded great pleasure and varied instruction to large numbers of visitors. The Earl of Dudley lent his pictures by old masters, and there were good and carefully selected collections of specimens of local arts and manufactures. A handsome profit remained, after the payment of expenses, which was devoted to the purchase of Fossils for the Museum. During this period, the members of the Society occupied much time in conducting the scientific Clubs, attracted by the Exhibition to Dudley, to the many places of geological interest in the neighbourhood, and were so much engaged in this way that little time was left for the ordinary work of reading papers and discussion. In 1867, a Mine Agents’ Association, which afterwards became the South Staffordshire and Hast Worcestershire Institute of Mining Engineers, originated out of the desire of many of the members of this Society to have frequent opportunities of visiting collieries and works, and to see the practical application of scientific knowledge. Similarly, in 1869, a somewhat kindred organisation grew into existence at Wolver- hampton—the South Midland Institute of Civil, Mining, and Mechanical Engineers. Between both these bodies and the older Society, out of which they may be said to have grown, the most friendly feeling has always existed. A brief but interesting record of the proceedings of the Society is published annually. Two volumes and four parts of the third volume, 1862-1876, have at present been issued, and others are to follow. The Society possesses a Museum very rich in fossils and other Geological specimens, and a good library of scientific books. During the summer months numerous Field Meetings are held, and increasing interest is manifested in them. They are arranged so as to embrace not only places of Geological interest, but also ruins, interesting churches, and other buildings, places of historical celebrity or natural beauty; and also afford opportunities for the collection of botanical, entomological, and microscopical specimens. Occasionally during the HISTORY OF SOCIETIES. 49 winter months papers are read and discussed at the periodical meetings of the members held at Dudley. The Society now numbers 14 honorary members, together with the Presidents and Secretaries of the various other societies in the neighbour- hood, and 158 ordinary members. The subscription is 10s. 6d. annually. The funds are in a flourishing condition. For the first two years the President was Lord Lyttelton. From 1864 to 1870 the Earl of Dudley was President; and since that time the Presidents have been :—Professor Ramsay, 1871; E. F. Smith, Esq., 1872; Rey. J. H. Thompson, 1873 ; William Madeley, Esq., 1874; Charles Cochrane, Esq., 1875, 1876, and 1877. Mr. John Jones was Honorary Secretary for six years; Mr. W. Madeley, for five years; in 1873, Mr. E. Terry; and since 1874, Mr. E. B, Marten, Pedmore, near Stourbridge. The practical benefits which have flowed from this Society are thoroughly realised and valued throughout the South Staffordshire Mining District, and its beneficial influence is felt over a still wider ares. Correspondence, Buack-BackeED GuLi.—A fine specimen of the black-backed gull was shot at Allesley, near Coventry, in December last, haying doubtless been driven inland by a storm. Its plumage was a dull white, mottled with greyish brown, and no black about it except the bill. This shows that it was an immature specimen, as it acquires the black back from which it derives its name at the age of four years.—JoHN GuLSON. Warter-rowL.—With the advent of winter various water-fowl have again visited, for brief periods, the larger sheets of water around Birming- ham. At the Edgbaston Reservoir, Mr. Wyatt informed me that several Herons (Ardea cinerea, Li.) have been seen within the last few weeks; as also a fine flight (forty-six) of a duck which I presume to be Mareca Penelope, L. During December, Mr. Dixon, of the Lower Grounds, Aston, records the arrival, on the pools of that place, of several Little Grebe, (Podiceps minor, Lth.,) as many as four being observed at one time. —A.M.B, - Mitpyess oF THE SEAson.—On Christmas Day last, I gathered in my garden, at Moseley, Worcestershire, (500 feet above sea level, subsoil gravel,) a very respectable out-door posy, consisting of several sorts of chrysanthemums, three kinds of roses, mignonette, pansies, violets, primroses, polyanthuses, clematises, Christmas roses, (Helleborus niger, ) yellow jasmine, wall flowers, and ten-week stocks. I do not remember ever before gathering so many tender flowers in a situation so exposed, so late in the year.—E. W. B. Movuntinc.—There is one question to which I have tried in vain to get an answer, but which may, perhaps, meet with a reply, through your pages. Some years ago, I believe, the accomplished microscopists of the Birmingham Natural History Society gave a series of lessons on mount- ing of various kinds to the younger members. In these I was not privileged to share. My question is, would not a second series be useful now? There must be many fresh members, and among them some, like 50 CORRESPONDENCE. myself, who would be glad of a little help in this portion of their studies; a help which there are many well qualified to give, who would, I doubt not, be glad to give it, when they know that the desire for it exists.—Nr0-Microscoricus. Concuotoey.—During a geological excursion of the Natural Science Section of the Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society, I found Helix cantiana, together with Helix ericetorwm, on the sides of a railway cutting, in the Great Oolite Limestone, at Kingscliffe, Northamptonshire. The cutting is on the new line being made between Melton Mowbray and Kettering. [donot know whether it has been noticed in that neighbourhood before.—At Easter, 1876, I found (during a walk from North Rode, Cheshire, across the hills to Buxton) some dozen or more specimens of Limnea truncatula, in a pond. They were, as far as I could see, its only living occupants. The sides and bottom of the pond were coated with a yellowish rusty matter, which looked like oxide of iron. I thought the fact rather remarkable. During the early part of 1877 I found just the same thing occurring in a pond by the road side, about a mile out of Mansfield on the way to Edwinstowe. But in this case, there was no rusty deposit. Again, close to Nottingham, this same mollusk occurs in a ditch, along with Physa hypnorum (plentiful) and a small Pistdiwm, and very rarely indeed Limnea peregra (the spire of the latter being much elongated, and finely tapered, and the body whorl of the shell smaller than is usual.) Is it customary to find this mollusk ( Limnea truncatula) unassociated with any other species? Perhaps some of your readers could inform me. In none of the cases was it plentiful—cC. T. M., Nottingham. Votyvox Gropator.—On a hill, near Redditch, are two ponds, some 300 yards apart, the overflow of the upper of which runs into the lower. On Christmas-day, 1875, Volvox globator was found in extraordinary profusion in the lower pond, where it continued in abundance during the following January, but soon after disappeared. In the upper pond, though at no time so numerous, specimens were found as late as March. Search was made for them frequently during the remainder of the year without success. As it appeared to the writer remarkable that they should occur in such numbers in the winter, he was induced to examine both ponds on Christmas-day, 1876, and on several occasions during January and February, 1877, but not a Volvox was visible. Nor did any put in an appearance till July, when they were observed in the upper pond only, though subsequently they were sparingly met with in the lower. Incessant rain during the winter months had made the water very turbid, and possibly this state of things did not favour their develop- ment. On the 6th January, 1878, Volvox was again found in considerable numbers, though not in profusion, in the upper pond, nearly all the specimens being young. They continue to flourish, and with them occur abundance of that beautiful rotifer Conochilus volvox, which has been constant in that pond throughout the year.—S. 8. R., Redditch. Lonpon Norns py AN OccasionaL CorresponDENT.—Such of us, and we were a larger audience than usual, as attended the meeting of the Linnean Society, on January 17th, had a great treat in hearing and seeing Professor Owen and Dr. Darwin, both, in consequence of feeble health and advancing years, being very rare visitors on one evening to the learned societies. The Professor’s paper on a missing link (just found) between the existing Marsupials and some early forms of (now) fossil life, was of great importance, but too technical for its scope to be indicated in a paragraph. Mr. Francis Darwin, a most worthy follower in the steps of his great father, read a paper on the results of feeding Drosera rotundifolia, which sets at rest the question of digestion and absorption in plants. After —— CORRESPONDENCE. 51 quoting inter alia the researches of Mr. Lawson Tait, he told us he had filled six soup plates with moss in water, and planted them last June with as many plants of Drosera as they would hold. Each plate was then superficially equally divided by a piece of wood, (a slip of zine ina previous experiment having killed the plants,) and the whole of the plates were exposed to precisely similar conditions as to light and air, and covered with the (now historical) gauze frame to prevent the access of insects. In July Mr. Darwin commenced and continued to feed all the plants on one side of each plate with roast beef, (raw meat kills.) in morsels weighing only 1-50th of a grain, taking great care none should fall into the surrounding moss and serve as manure. This is the result, and its accuracy is unquestioned :—The fed plants were individually and collectively larger, heavier, and greener, they threw up more flower stems which bore each a larger number of flowers, and a greater number of larger seeds, the proportion in weight of the seeds on the starved as compared with the fed side being as 100 to 379:7. Dr. Masters remarked that there could now be no doubt as to the absorption through leaves, and that the whole present theory of plant growth, involving largely the entire system of vegetable physiology, must be reconsidered, probably entirely changed. There was no attempt to contradict Mr. Darwin’s facts, which are accepted by some of the greatest naturalists in the world, and another great era in change is imminent.—Dr. Darwin is so like M. Rajon’s etching of Mr. Ouless’ portrait, that I heartily commend that grandest of the etchings of this century to your readers.—The loss. of Mr. Andrew Murray, the Entomologist, is much greater than will be at onceseen. His services to the Horticultural Society, and to the entomo- logical collection at Bethnal Green are incalculable, and as an acquaintance or friend all who knew him deeply deplore him. He told me only a month ago that his second volume on Economic Entomology was in the press; but who will complete the series I do not know.— W. J. 5S. On Accuracy In THE Use or Screntiric Terms.—I have read witk considerable interest the first article in your (may I say our) new Journal, on ‘‘ Abnormal Ferns.” The importance and value of this contribution, as an incentive to the practical study of vegetable development, has: induced me to offer a few friendly remarks on one point, which the composition of this article suggests. It is this: Assuming that the * Midland Naturalist” is intended to have a direct bearing on the progress. of Science, all the articles it contains should be written, not merely in an attractive style—which should always be aimed at—but with rigid scien- tific accuracy as to the terms employed by its contributors. Confusion in terms leads to confusion of thought; and vice versa. The employment of entomological and other zoological terms—haying a very specific: meaning—to describe, or illustrate, simple botanical processes of growth, for which there are true botanical terms, equally expressive and far more accurate, appears very likely to mislead a young enquiring naturalist.. Now, these remarks have been suggested by a few illustrations, used by the author of the paper referred to, in his otherwise very valuable and instructive article. In speaking of the fertilisation of ferns, certain . ‘spiral filaments” are described as having ‘‘ swarmed about the pistilli- dium in numbers,” as though they were a collection of independent individuals, clustering together like a swarm of bees! Again, in the next paragraph, these filaments are spoken of as being ‘‘ tossed into the air,” and by landing in certain ‘“‘ cups” are said to ‘‘ fertilize the plant in its caterpillar stage, and thus enable it to put on its butterfly life or fronds.” Now the phrase “caterpillar stage,” suggests one of the most. definite and peculiar stages of insect development. So peculiarly animal; so utterly unlike anything to be found in the vegetable king- 52 CORRESPONDENCE. dom is it, that its use in such a connection as that referred to must be misleading to any reader not thoroughly acquainted with the subject. The ‘caterpillar stage” in an insect’s life is that in which the entire body is almost filled with a capacious stomach ; and the creature— endowed with a voracious appetite—eats, and eats with a greedy persistence, until its skin becomes too tight for the rapidly growing body, and at length splits, and is cast aside—like a schoolboy’s “ old clo”—to be replaced by a more roomy investment! ‘The caterpillar stage, moreover, is one in which no reproductive organs appear; so that, altogether, the simile is a most unfortunate one as descriptive of the silent and gentle changes which are everywhere observable in the vegetable world. Once more, the term ‘ Animalcules,” as quoted by Mr. Lowe from Count Suminski’s paper, and applied to these ‘spiral thread-like bodies” is equally inappropriate. I regret very much having to make the foregoing criticisms, and beg to assure the Editors, and the justly well-known author of the paper referred to, that my only object in doing so is to further the best interests of our new publication by requesting at the outset, from future contributors, a more careful selec- tion of terms used in all scientific papers.—Samurnt H. Parkes, King’s Norton. A Hysrw Frern.—Mr. Lowe, in his paper upon ‘‘ Abnormal Ferns,” says that ‘‘very rarely a hybrid species may be produced” by the crossing of two species; but the examples he gives relate in each case to species of the same genus. In Phanerogamous plants hybrids between closely allied genera are known to exist, and we might expect that this would also be the case with Ferns. I have lately met with an instance in which this hybridisation seems to have taken place. About two years ago, my brother, Mr. T. B. Groye, of Eastbourne, sowed a mixture of spores of Blechnwm corcovadense, and Lomaria gibba. Both of the plants from which the spores were taken were well grown, with stems about three feet high. Two fronds made their appearance from this sowing in advance of the rest, and were carefully transplanted. The other seedlings were normal, but these two, after throwing up at first fronds very similar to those of, L. gibba, gradually changed their character. The pinne increased in breadth, the fronds became longer and more erect, and they have now produced fertile fronds intermediate between those of the two supposed parents. The differences may be thus enumerated: I am of course describing average plants. L. gibba has a spreading crown of numerous barren fronds, the pinnse of which are under half an inch broad, with a few small blunt teeth. The fertile fronds, springing from the centre, are very much contracted, of a light green colour at first, covered on the under side almost completely by the sori. B. corcovadense has a much smaller number of barren fronds, which are nearly erect, and considerably longer, and have the pinne more than three-quarters of an inch broad, with a spinulose-serrate, or almost dentate edge. The fertile fronds are fewer and longer still, of a pinkish colour at first, quite wncontracted, the pinne being as broad as those of a barren frond, and the sori only occupying the central line. The supposed hybrid has a few external fronds small and spreading, with narrow pinne, very like those of L. gibba, but the succeeding fronds become longer and more erect, with pinne over half an inch broad, and a serra- tion which is intermediate between blunt and spinulose. The fertile fronds are more numerous than in B. corcovadense, not so long, and rather contracted, the pinne being scarcely over half the breadth of those of the barren fronds, and the sori occupying about half of the under surface. The colour of the young fronds also is intermediate between the pink of Blechnum and the lively green of Lomaria. I have before me three fronds of about the same age, from plants grown under similar circumstances. VEE 7. Prroctz rca ty e 7 Prim jo Ley, Ss Slent. LIU oe Papohee Process, a & 4c fice Lace OER lieti7rne pelch Ge FENS. ete i ole wy £ r, ng ee a hy omni wo elit ‘ Tints Gi 7. +S P ig ane neg ? baliya'd j : cis Df\* ‘ , ye GAG, : Prd iu 5/0, ‘ yee i.e pil Hla }ee ON Aha ral ; ri ai ee Sia ht by pituay No Sis il? 44 senivie oath) Eepiait ya PA Vitae aa Wad vc S1)/ 2000 won itr PRCT) i rh casita) do dul std Weeds ied fis List De Aue sie ail one ta oxi On ir ural : ei ; m Shee a ! i ie n* CORRESPONDENCE. 53 The frond of L. gibba is eleven inches long, and four broad; of the hybrid thirteen inches long, and five broad; and of B. corcovadense twenty-six inches long and seven broad. The spores of the hybrid are smaller and more irregular in shape than those of B. corcovadense : some of them have been sown, and are now in the prothallus stage. A well known fern-grower, who has seen the plants, said that he obtained a very similar hybrid, about six years ago, between L. gibba and B. brasiliense, (a species allied to, if not identical with, B. coreovadense,) which he exhi- bited at a meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society under the name of L. hybrida. He bas since lost it. The correctness of his explanation was, of course, disputed at the time, but this independent production of what is nearly the same species seems to confirm it very strongly.— W. B. Grove, B.A. Gleanings. Tue Britisu Assocration.—It is expected that the meeting for 1879 will be held at Sheffield. A Course or Instruction 1n Zootomy by Professor Huxley, assisted by Mr. T. J. Parker, is announced as in preparation, and will be published in parts, by Messrs. Macmillan and Co. Tue Great Meteor or Noy. 23rp.—Capt. G. L. Tupman has been investigating the path of this remarkable object. In Symons’ Meteoro- logical Magazine for January, he writes:—‘I have made out its path very satisfactorily from a great many fairly accordant observations. It began as an ordinary shooting star, ninety (nautical) miles high, five miles north of Derby, became wonderfully brilliant fifty miles over Liverpool, and burst at the height of twenty-six miles, fifteen miles N.N.W. of Great Orme’s Head. From no less than twenty-five estima- tions of its duration, the velocity was between eighteen and nineteen miles per second.” Tar “Tives” anp Mrernorotogy.—The energy of the Times in publishing daily a map showing the principal elements of the weather at six P.M. on the preceding evening was specially noticed in the evidence given before the Royal Commission on Meteorological Observations, whose report (Blue Book, 1877, price 2s. 4d.) should be studied by all who are interested in the progress of meteorology. The publication now before us (The Times’ Register of Events in 1877) is another step in the same direction. One page is given to each day. In a narrow column on the right-hand side we have the leading British and Foreign events printed in bold capitals, On the left-hand is a map showing the condition of the weather over these islands at eight a.m., together with the “ Remarks” of the Meteorological Office thereon. At the end of each week the curves of the self-registering instruments at Kew Observatory are given. Useful and full summaries of the Parliamentary Session and the year generally are given at the end of the volume. We would suggest that another year the publication should be deferred (if necessary) for another week or so, that the averages and totals for the year (barometric pressure, temperature, rainfall, &c.) might be added. Inrorp Fossius.—The very fine collection formed by the late Dr. Richard Payne Cotton, F.G.S., has, we learn from Nature, been 54 GLEANINGS. bequeathed to the Museum of Practical Geology, London. Tt contains 246 specimens ot vertebrate remains. A very perfect lower jaw of the beaver ( Castor Europeus ), with some well preserved bones of the Elephas primigenius, the Rhinoceros leptorhinus, and the Bos primigenius, are among the gems of this valuable collection. Gronocy.—An interesting boring for coal is now going on close to the eastern suburbs of the town of Leicester. In 1876 a bore-hole at this spot reached a depth of 750ft., entirely in the Keuper marls and sand- stones, but stopped at this point in consequence of the boring rods breaking and stoppimg UP the hole. The Diamond Rock Boring Company have now contracted to go down to a depth of 1,200ft., but, in our opinion, the question will be settled at a less depth than this. The proximity of the ridge of Palzozoic Rocks, which runs southwards from Charnwood Forest by Enderby, Sapcote, &c., is an important factor in the question. Desford marks its western edge, so that if the ridge, or the rocks (inferior to the coal-measures) which rest upon it, extends eastwards beneath the Trias for eight miles, it will be an effectual bar to the finding of workable%coal-seams in this locality. Aquaria.—Mr. W. A. Lloyd, of the Crystal Palace Aquarium, is engaged in writing a practical pook on Aquaria, for which he has long peen collecting materials. Writing on the subject, he says:—* My jllustrations will be numerous, original, and unusual, consisting mainly of views, plans, and sections of many aquaria, and of the various kinds of machinery employed in them to circulate the water, and will include also all the portraits I can find of those who did early and good aquarium work. Among these I should like to have a portrait of Mrs. Anne Thynne, who, in London, in the year 1846, maintained the earliest known marine aquarium on the compensating principle, with plants and animals balancing each other. Any hints or references to early books, or pamphlets, or prints, or pictures, or photographs, will be very acceptable. Among other things, I much want access, temporary OF otherwise, to two aquarium guide books to ¢wo now non-existing aquaria, one in Vienna, dated about 1860, and one in Copenhagen, about 1873-74. I shall be very grateful for any properly-authenticated details in MS., or any references to such as have been published, on the maintenance of any animals, ranging from sponges to fishes, both marine and fresh water, under the conditions proper to aquaria, Any loans made to me will be punctually and thankfully returned.” QyIrHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON, U.S.—The annual report for 1876 has lately been issued. It contains a statement by the director, Professor J. Henry, on the work and progress of the Institution, and a report from Prof. §. F. Baird on the Centennial Bxhibition. Then follow biographies of Gay-Lussac, and that scientific monarch, the present Emperor of Brazil; articles on the Kinetic Theories of Gravita- tion; Revolutions of the Crust of the Earth; Asteroids between Mars and Jupiter; and several ethnological articles, altogether forming & hand- some volume of some 500 pages. The report and other publications of the Institute are, we believe, presented to Societies who send copies of their reports and transactions to the agent for the Smithsonian Institute, Mr. W. Wesley, 28, Essex Street, Strand. Another important feature me the work of this valuable Tnstitution is that it undertakes to receive books, specimens, &c., from any part of the world for American Societies and Museums, and transmits in return any exchanges which may be desired. During the year 1876 no fewer than 4,853 packages were received from abroad, and some 13,000 parcels sent out. These have been carried free of cost by the various Atlantic Steamship Companies, and thus carriage te any part of the United Kingdom need only be paid as far as ondon. REPORTS, : 55 Leports of Societies. BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—Generat Mererinc, December 18th, 1877.—Mr. J. F. Goode read a paper on the “Planet Mars,” in which he especially alluded to the recent “‘ opposition,” as having been of more than ordinary interest from the close proximity of the planet to the earth; the varying distances from which he explained being occasioned by the ellipticity of its orbit. The various features of Mars, as seen through the telescope, were discussed, and a description given of its continents and seas; its snowy poles analagous to those of the earth, its period of rotation on its axis, duration of seasons, and other interesting phenomena, were severally alluded to. Mr. Goode mentioned that the discovery of two satellites by Professor Hall, of the Washington Observatory, had rendered ‘the recent “opposition” particularly interesting. These satellites, he stated, are very small, and are visible only by means of the most powerful instruments, under very favourable circumstances. CHELTENHAM NATURAL. SCIENCE SOCIETY.—On 15th December, 1877, a public meeting was held, at which it was resolved to form a Natural Science Society in Cheltenham. A committee was appointed, and a secretary pro tem. Rules, &c., have since been framed. January 18.—First general meeting, at which it was resolved that the society be called ‘“‘ The Cheltenham Natural Science Society,” that Dr. T. Wright, M.D., F.G.S., be president, and Colonel H. Basevi honorary secretary. The report of the committee was unanimously adopted, and the rules as added to and altered passed. The ordinary meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday in each month, April to October inclusive. NORTHAMPTON NATURALISTS’ SOCTIETY.—January 7th, a paper ‘‘On Beetles” was read by Mr. E. B. Pressland._January 15th, ® paper on “ Photography ” was read by Mr. H. Manfield. NOTTINGHAM NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY.—January 2nd, Annual General Meeting, when Mr. A. H. Simpson was elected president ; Messrs. H. Blandy and J. Morley, vice-presidents; Mr. C. Wheatley, treasurer; Mr. C. T. Musson, hon. secretary; Messrs. W. Foster, W. Morley, R. Wix, R. T. Higham, T. Bull, and J. §. Radford, the com- mittee ; and Mr. L. Lee, assistant secretary and librarian.January 9th was spent as a microscopical evening.—January 16th, the President delivered the Annual Address. STROUD NATURAL HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY,—January 8th, Mr. J. T. Fisher delivered a lecture on ‘‘ The Spectroscope in relation to Stellar and Solar Physics,” illustrating some of his remarks by a number of photographs.—January 24th was an extra meeting, at which Mr. C. Playne read a paper on ‘“ Water as a Motive Power.” TAMWORTH NATURAL HISTORY, GEOLOGICAL, AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY.—On January 7th, Mr. Samuel Spruce, F.G.S., read a paper entitled, ‘‘ Geological Notes on the Trip to Clent Hills,” which he illustrated by plans and diagrams, showing the various strata between Birmingham and Hales Owen. Mr. Spruce showed that the Clent Hills are composed of new red sandstone, and not trap, as erroneously supposed by Hugh Miller and others. He also compared the trap of the Rowley Hills with that of Dosthill. The formation of the Clent Hills 56 REPORTS, ETC. Mr. Spruce believes to be due to denudation, while the Rowley Hill and Dosthill are of voleanic agency. This latter view, he contends, is borne out by the fact of the coal measure at Dosthill lying so near the surface, having been lifted up during an eruption by the lava, which forms the Trap Hill—On January 21st Mr. Thomas Cooke read a paper on ‘* The Feudal Times,” in which he traced the history of feudal tenure, customs, &c., from the Saxon to the Tudor period. WEST LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—At a meet- ing held on January 4th, Mr. Silcock exhibited some pupx of A, grossulariata, which is a very rare occurrence, as this species usually passes the winter in the larve state. Underneath the currant trees on which the pupw were taken he found many hybernating larve. It was resolved that this society should take part in the forthcoming “ Great National Entomological Exhibition,” to be held at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, during the present month.—H. H. Maycocxr. Hints to our Contributors, Write plainly. Write on one side of the paper only. Write all names legibly in printed characters, and spell them correctly. Forward communications as early as possible, so that proofs may be sent for revision. Original observations should be vouched for by the writer's signature or initials, and address. Communications should be as brief as possible consistent with clearness. Erehange. ExcHance.—I have for exchange Vols. XI., XII., XIII., XIV. of Monthly Microscopical Journal, and five Parts of Vols. I. and II.; The Geological Record for 1875; Reports of the Smithsonian Institute, 1873 to 1876; Commonplace Book of John Milton (Camden Society, 1876); Presidential Addresses to the Geological Society, Forbes 1854, Portlock 1858, Ramsay 1863, Smyth 1867, with Proceedings of Royal Society 1866; Geological Survey of United States, Annual Reports 1867 to 1869 ; and Survey of Wyoming, by Hayden.—Wantrep.—Geological Magazine; Science Gossip ; Vols. I.to XIV. of Geological Society’s Journal; Transactions of Local Societies; or any good Scientific Books.—Apply to Flint-flake, Herald Office, Birmingham. Austers ter Correspondents, ir Our Walsall correspondent’s lines are not suitable for our pages. We have to express our thanks for many appreciative and encouraging letters, some of them containing useful hints, which have been or will be acted upon. We shall be glad to receive communications from the members of Natural History Societies in any part of the kingdom. We cannot undertake the return of rejected papers, unless accompanied by a stamped addressed cover. — PARASITES OF MAN. 57 PAA ee PhS Of M AN.* BY T. SPENCER COBBOLD, M.D., F.R.S. I feel sure I need not apologise for bringing under the notice of workers in Science a list of the human Entozoa and Hctozoa. No complete and trustworthy record, brought down to the present time, exists, In view of rendering my list less bald than a mere catalogue of species would inevitably prove, I shall append a few particulars relating to the synonymy of each parasite, its larval condition, and the organ or tissue of the host it usually occupies. Omitting the Protozoa, I confine my attention to the following six parasitic groups :—1. Trematoda ; Flukes. 2. Cestoda; Tapeworms. 3. Nematoda ; Roundworms and Threadworms. 4. Acanthocephala ; Thorn-headed worms. 5. Insecta ; including all such dipterous, aphanipterous, and hemipterous insects as are either wholly or partially parasitic. 6. Arachnida; including all those trachearian forms, such as the mites and their allies, which are often vulgarly and erroneously termed scab, or itch-insects. Such is the bill of fare that I have now to offer, and, should it be found presentable and useful, it is proposed to follow it up at some future time by the publication of similar lists relating to the parasites of the horse and other domesticated animals. As I cannot have the pleasure of reading these papers personally to the Section, and as I am desirous of making them as generally interesting to the members as the subject will permit, I have requested my friend, Mr. W. R. Hughes, to communicate the papers, and to exhibit some specimens} on my behalf. The slides and preparations from my cabinet will be chiefly illustrative of the more remarkable forms of Entozoa enumerated in the lists. TREMATODA. 1.—Fasciola hepatica, Linnseus. Synonymy.—Distoma hepaticum, Retzius and Ramdohr; Planaria, Goeze. Larval state.—An armed Cercaria; not yet distinguished. Free ciliated embryo conical. Intermediate Host.—Not known. Probably a fresh water snail. Remarks._The common liver fluke of Ruminants has been found at least fifteen times in the human body. Literature.—All standard works on Helminthology (Leuckart, Davaine, Kiichenmeister, Dujardin, Cobbold.) 2.—Distoma lanceolatum, Mehlis. g8 Syn.—D. hepaticum, Zeder and. Rudolphi; Dicrocelium, Dujardin and Weinland ; Fasciola, Bloch; Planaria, Goeze. Larve.—Cercaria, form unknown. Free ciliated embryo globular. Int. Host._—Not known. Probably a fresh water snail. * Read before the Microscopical Section of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society, February 19th, 1878. e + The specimens exhibited were, the common fluke, (F. hepatica,) the lancet- shaped fluke, (D. lanceolatwm,) the large human fluke, (D. crassum,) the Chinese or McConnell’s fluke, (D. sinense,) the conjoined fluke, (D. conjunctwm,) the minute Egyptian fluke, (D. heterophyes,) and Bilharz’s fluke (B. he@matobia.) G 58 PARASITES OF MAN. Remarks.—Has thrice been found in man. Infests the liver. Lit.—All standard works, especially that of Leuckart. 3.—Distoma crassum, Busk. Syn.—D. Buskii, Lankester ; Dicrocelium, Weinland. Larve.—Unknown. Int. Host.—Not known. Probably a species of oyster. Remarks.—Infests the duodenum. Found at least thrice in man. Lit.—Cobbold; Synops. of the Distomide in Linn. Proceed., 1860; Idem.; Obs. on the large fluke, with notes of two cases in which & missionary and his wife were the victims ; Linn. Soe. Proc., Vol. XII. (zool. diy. ;) and in The Veterinarian, 1876. 4 _Nistoma sinense, Cobbold. Syn.—D. spatulatum, Leuckart. Larvee.—Unknown. Int. Host.—Probably a fresh water mollusk. Remarks.—Infests the liver of Chinese. Discovered by Professor McConnell. Lit.—McConnell; Lancet for August, 1875; Macgregor; Glasgow Medical Journal for January, 1877. 5.—Distoma conjunctum, Cobbold. Syn.—None. Larvee.— Unknown. Int. Host.—Probably a small mollusk. Remarks.—Infests the liver. Originally found by me in an American fox (1858,) and subsequently by Lewis in pariah dogs (1872,) and afterwards by McConnell in man (1875.) Lit.—Cobbold; Synopsis (1. c.) 1859 ; Lewis; Govt. Rep., Calcutta, 1872; McConnell ; Lancet, Feb., 1876. 6.—Distoma heterophyes, Siebold. Syn.—Fasciola, Moquin-Tandon ; Dicrocelium, Weinland. Larvee.—Unknown. Int. Host.—Unknown. Remarks.—Infests the intestine. Only once found. Discovered by Bilharz, at Cairo, 1851. : Lit.—All standard works, more particularly that of Leuckart. 7.—Distoma ophthalmobium, Diesing. Syn.—D. oculi humani, Gescheidt; D. lentis, Von Ammon; Dicrocelium, Weinland; Monostoma, Nordmann; Festucaria, Moquin-Tandon. Remarks.—Several times found in the eye, but as all the specimens were sexually immature, the species, as such, is of doubtful authenticity. Lit.—All standard works. 8.—Tetrastoma renale, Delle-Chiaje. Syn.—None. Remarks.—Supposed to infest the kidney. Discovered by Lucarelli in 1826. Lit.—Delle-Chiaje, Elmintografia Umana, 1833. ae —Hesxathyridium pinguicola, Treutler. Syn.—Hexastoma, Cuvier; Linguatula, Lamarck ; Polystoma, Zeder. Remarks.—Only once detected. It was lodged in a small tumour of the size of a nut. Lit.—Treutler ; Obs. path, anat. ad helm. corp. humani, 1793. PARASITES OF MAN, 59 10,.—Hezathyridium venarum, Treutler. Syn.—To the genera given above, add Hexacotyle, Blainville. Remarks.—Said to have been found on four occasions; by Treutler once, by Delle-Chiaje twice, and once by Follina. Infests the blood. Lit.—As above ; and in general treatises. 11.—Amphistoma hominis, Lewis and McConnell. Syn.—None. Larvee.— Unknown. Remarks.—Infests the intestine. Twice found; in the first instance by Dr. O’Brien, of Gowatty, and Dr. Curran together. Lit.—Lewis and McConnell; in Proceed. of the Asiatic Soe. of Bengal, 1876. 12.—Bilharzia hematobia, Cobbold. Syn.—Distoma hematobium. Bilharz; Gynecophorus, Diesing ; Thecosoma, Moquin-Tandon ; Schistosoma, Weinland. Larvee.—Cercaria unknown. Free ciliated embryo cone-shaped. Remarks.—Infests the veins, especially the portal system of blood vessels. Frequent in Africa. Lit.—In standard works; the details being chiefly from Bilharz, Griesinger, Harley, and Cobbold. See also Sonsino; Sugli ematozoi come contributo alla Fauna entoz. egiziana; Cairo, 1877; and in Arch. Gén. de Méd., for June, 1876. [£0 BE CONTINUED.} ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. BY JAMES E. BAGNALL. Meek creatures! the first mercy of the earth, visiting with hushed softness its dintless rocks; creatures full of pity, covering with strange and tender honour the scarred disgrace of ruin—laying quiet finger on the trembling stones, to teach them rest. No words, that I know of, will say what these mosses are. None are delicate enough, none perfect enough, none rich enough. How is one to tell of the rounded bosses of furred and beaming green,—tha starred divisions of rubied bloom, fine-filmed, as if the rock spirits could spin porphyry as we do glass,—the traceries of intricate silver, and fringes of amber, lustrous, arborescent, burnished through every fibreinto fitful bright- ness and glossy traverses of silken change, yet all subdued and pensive, and framed for simplest sweetest offices of grace? They will not be gathered, like the flowers, for chaplet or love-token ; but of these the wild bird will make its nest, and the wearied child his pillow. And, as the earth’s first mercy, so they are its last gift to us: when all other service is vain, from plant and tree, the soft mosses and gray lichen take up their watch by the head-stone. The woods, the blossoms, the gift- bearing grasses, have done their parts for a time; but these do service for ever. Trees forthe builder’s yard, flowers for the bride’s chamber, corn for the granary, moss for the grave. Ruskin’s “ Modern Puinters.”—Vol. V., pp. 102-3. A walk through green fields, country lanes, or woods, is rendered more enjoyable, and I believe more conducive to healthy exercise, if we have some special study to call us there, than such a walk would be if indulged in for the mere sake of what is termed a constitutional. For it is well to have something that will for a time enable us to forget the 60 ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. every day cares of a busy life, and nothing is so likely to do this as some pursuit that not only engrosses the attention but also gladdens the eye, that calls forth healthy thought, educates the observing faculties, and stimulates us to take a certain amount of invigorating exercise. To any person with ordinary enthusiasm, interest, and industry, the study of the mosses will yield all this and more. Too frequently these plants are neglected by even professed botanists. The investigation of them is considered to be too difficult, or too tedious, and often too expensive. That there are difficulties connected with the study all must admit, but none that a little patience and industry will not surmount; the tedium of the study would evaporate after the first few hours’ examination of these beautiful organisms, and the expense after the first outlay need not be more than a little extra wear and tear of one’s shoe leather. To say that the study of these plants is interesting would be trite, for everything in beautiful nature is interesting, but the ‘dim world of Weeping mosses” is wondrously interesting ; 80 varied in structure, inform, in mode of growth, in colour, covering the bosom of their mother earth with a green, velvety mantle when the cold winds of autumn and winter have robbed the trees of their beautiful foliage, and the nipping frosts have chilled into death their lovely sisters, the flowering plants, clothing with beauty the wayside bank, clinging with a tender embrace to their high-born kinsman the forest tree, bedecking with a thousand fairy urns the old ruined wall, covering with beautifully mingled masses of feathery Hypnum, tufted Brywm, or hoary Tortula, of every shade of green, the rotting thatch of the ruined cottage, filling the treacherous bog with pale green Sphagnum, or beautiful tussocks of noble look- ing Polytrichum, flourishing amid the unpleasant odours of the poison breathing marsh, and climbing slowly, but surely, from the lowest valley to the snow line of the great mountain ! And were we to follow them in their daring scramble, and note them well, we should see that the mosses are not only countless in numbers, but multitudinous in varieties and species ; the moss flora of our own islands alone numbering about 140 genera and nearly 600 species, besides varieties without end. A _ superficial observer would probably be astonished if he were to have pointed out to him the varied species to be found upon a few square feet of a bank “ with bright green mosses clad,” because to him a moss is a moss and nothing more; and yet in such a limited area twenty or more species may often be found; and many a district that at first sight seems able to yield but a poor moss flora may by a little diligence be proved to be quite prolific. A limited district of some 3,500 acres has yielded the writer nearly 130 species of these plants, all of them beautiful and some of them very rare. Then it must be remembered that mosses are easily preserved, usually retain their special characters even when dried, may be prepared for the herbarium, and packed in comparatively small compass, and may be examined at any time ; for, however shrivelled they may have become by long keeping, a few minutes’ soaking in tepid water will restore them ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. 61 to most of their former beauty, their lovely leaves again expand, the minute cells of which they are built are again filled with fluids, and with the aid of the microscope all their details may be made out as readily as though they had been gathered but an hour ago, so that for real and minute study this may truly be called a fireside one. For the sake of those who would wish to commence the study, but lack the knowledge how to begin, when and where to seek their plants, and how to distinguish them when found, these hints have been written, and I shall endeavour, as clearly as I can, to supply a few elementary lessons in moss collecting, &c. Before beginning to collect certain aids are required: these are few and simple. First, a bag or satchel of some kind for stowing away speci- mens as they are gathered. One of the canvas bags with a strap to sling over the shoulder, such as are now offered from a shilling upwards, will be serviceable and sufficient. Some pieces of good strong newspaper six to nine inches square will be required to wrap up each specimen separately as gathered. These papers should be numbered previous to starting out, using ink rather than pencil, for the mosses will often be wet and pencil marks are then easily obliterated. In order to keep the tufts of moss clean and distinct too many should not be put into one paper. When the paper is filled and folded the number of the package should be entered in the collector’s note book, with remarks as to habitat, locality, and date. Such, for instance, as this:—“ No.1. Marly bank, Tythall Lane, near Solihull. Formation, Keuper Marl. Feb. 9th, 1878,’ and such other particulars as it may be well to remember. And here I may observe that at first it would be advisable to collect those mosses only which have their fruit fully matured, and then, when these have been carefully examined and their distinguishing characters mastered, barren specimens may be collected; for many of our rarest British mosses are more frequently found barren than fruiting, and they must not, of course, be neglected. As soon as home is reached each of the packages should be opened, and if time serves roughly examined. If not, they should be placed in the opened papers on the floor of a room where they will be undisturbed, and allowed to get thoroughly dry. It will be advisable at the same time to place a slip of paper with each package containing a copy of the notes from note book. When the specimens are dry they may be again wrapped up and put by for an indefinite time for future examination. Ii the mosses are allowed to dry in the un- opened papers just as they are gathered they will be nearly certain to become mildewed, and will be very unsightly and useless, and thus the trouble of collecting will have been taken in vain. All these details may seem to make the preliminary work very tedious to the beginner, but he will soon get over any irksomeness he may at first feel, and he will be rewarded by his specimens being saved in good condition. A pocket lens will be required for the examination of the plants in the field, one having a power of about ten diameters, i.c., about one inch focal length, will be found serviceable, and if with two powers, i.¢., one 62, ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. inch and half-inch, still more so. These lenses, fitted in horn cases, may be obtained from any of our local opticians at from 1s. upwards, the price varying according to the finish of the article. If the School Micro- scope mentioned below is obtained, one or more of the lenses supplied with it may be made to do service in the field; but, if so used, should always be carried in a small chamois leather bag to protect from scratches. It is advisable to acquire the habit of constantly using a lens, making out by its aid all the details possible, such as the position of the leaves on the stem, general characters, &c., noticing whether they are straight, curved, falcate, and so on, and their direction when dry. This latter character is often a ready guide to nearly allied species. For instance, two mosses common on wall tops, Bryum capillare and B. cespiticium, differ materially in appearance when dry, the former having the leaves remark- ably twisted, the latter having them straight and imbricated. Many other like cases might be cited. A good text book will, of course, be indispensable. There are several to select from, published at various prices. For instance, Stark’s «‘ British Mosses,” having twenty coloured plates, is offered for 5s.; but this is not to my thinking a satisfactory book, the descriptions being too vague to be useful; still, many of the more frequent mosses may be made out from it. Berkeley’s ‘‘ Handbook of British Mosses,” with twenty-four coloured plates, costs 218. new, but may frequently be obtained second-hand for about 14s. The great fault of this work is that the nomenclature is not in all cases that most generally adopted, and the author gives no synonyms. This, I think, is a serious fault, as it leaves one in uncertainty as to the name adopted by other authors. Of cheap books the one I prefer is C. P. Hobkirk’s ‘‘ Synopsis of the British Mosses,” which costs 7s. 6d. The only fault is the absence of plates. It is so handy in size that it may be carried in the pocket without inconvenience, contains exceltent descriptions of all our British mosses, and the classification adopted in it is excellent. But the best text book is Wilson’s ‘‘ Bryologia Britannica.” Tt contains excellent illustrations of all the mosses described in the volume, giving figures of many of the minute details. The descriptions are admirable, being those of one of the best bryologists our country has produced. Any student who makes good use of this work will find that most of the difficulties surrounding this study will be rapidly overcome. This is asomewhat expensive book, costing 42s. with the plates uncoloured, or 84s. with the plates coloured. The uncoloured edition is to my thinking quite as useful as the more expensiveone. I should certainly advise the student to get this volume as his text book. Of course a microscope will be almost, if not quite, indispensable. These instruments, as everyone knows, are very varied in price, a first- class microscope being an expensive luxury, though there are in the market excellent instruments at most moderate prices. But a great amount of good work may be done with a cheap microscope—in fact, a great deal of the best work that has been done for science has been done with comparatively inexpensive instruments. ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. 63 The most useful cheap instrument I know is Field’s School Micro- scope, a very compact little instrument having three simple lenses which, separate or combined, give a magnifying power of from five to forty diameters. This, with the simple lenses, live box, needle, and other appliances, costs 10s. 6d.; acompound body may be added for 2s. 6d. extra. This will give powers of from twenty to eighty diameters. It is well to have this compound body at first, as the cabinet is then made of sufficient size to hold the compound body and all the other apparatus. For an additional 2s. 6d. a Wollaston doublet may be added; and, as this lens is a combination of plano-convex lenses placed in such a manner and of such a focus as to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations, for 15s. 6d. it is possible to possess a microscope nearly achromatic, giving a power of 120 diameters, which is sufficient for almost all the work which the young botanist will have todo. All my own earliest work in mosses was done with this instrument, and I believe I learned more by its aid than I have ever done with the more expensive instruments I have since used. As a simple microscope it will always be useful for dissecting and mounting purposes, and I can say with confidence that the student who has acquired all the knowledge of structure that this cheap little instrument will place within his reach will have gained such an insight into the moss world as will enable him to determine with a little patience the most difficult of mosses. CASTLETON: ITS EXTINCT FAUNA AND PHYSICAL SURROUNDINGS. BY THE REV. W. H. PAINTER. It was upon one of the few fine mornings at the end of August that I stood upon the edge of the high land overlooking the Vale of Hope, and looked down upon Castleton. Before me, in the far-off distance, were the hills in the direction of Sheffield that appeared to form the eastward termination of the vale, while on my left appeared the sharp peak of Win Hill, the more rounded summit of Lose Hill, and, very close to me, the precipitous side of Mam Tor, of which more anon. Then on my right were seen the road gradually winding up the hill-side to Tideswell, the grey ruins of the ancient stronghold of the Peverils, and the bleak moors which characterise that part of Derbyshire. The exact spot where I stood to view the Vale of Hope was aremarkable one. It was just on the edge of the great plateau of mountain limestone. Behind me stretched that formation, before me lay the Yoredale Rocks overlying the same. These rocks, which take their name from the valley of the Yore, or Ure, in Yorkshire, where they are most fully developed, are beautifully exposed in the steep escarpment of Mam Tor, or the Shivering Mountain. Here they will be seen to consist of alternate layers of sandstone and shale—the latter being impregnated with oxide 64. CASTLETON. of iron. In some of the nodules of impure limestone I found, in examin- ing them upon the occasion of a former visit, cavities filled with dried bitumen, and several specimens of a species of Modiola and Goniatites reticulata. Upon the opposite site of the road, the western, is the famous Windy Knoll Quarry—the scene of the labours of several farmers, of some students of Owens College, Manchester, and last, but not least, of Mr. Rooke Pennington. This quarry is remarkably situated. It is near to the most northern point of the mountain limestone of Derbyshire, and in the direct line of route from the Cheshire plains to the Vale of Hope. To quote the words of Mr. Pennington in the “ Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society for May, 1875,” “the Yore- dale beds dip northwards: a fault runs close to the spot. The line of division between the mountain limestone and the overlying rocks runs, roughly speaking, to S.E. and §.W. of this quarry.” But that which has served to render this quarry famous has been the discovery of a fissure filled with the remains of extinct animals. Certainly, it has been a remarkable place. I say it has been, for when I visited it, last August, all trace of it, with the exception of a few splinters of bones, two speci- mens of the tarsus, and one of the humerus of the Reindeer, had dis- appeared; the rock having been blown down, and the bones taken away. It would appear as if this fissure lay in the track of animals making their way from the Cheshire valleys and plains to the Vale of Hope, and that connected with it was a swampy pool, to which they went to drink ; that the weak ones stuck fast in the mud, from which they were unable to extricate themselves; that whilst in this predicament they fell an easy prey to bears and wolves, whose bones, in their turn, became mingled with those of their victims. The bones found in this fissure were of all parts of the animals :—The bison (Bison priscus, ) the reindeer (Cervus tarandus,) the grisly bear (Ursus ferox,) the wolf (Canis lupus,) the fox (C. vulpes,) the hare (Lepus timidus,) the rabbit (L. cuniculus,) and the water-vole (Arvicola amphibia.) Before passing on we must notice the remarkable bed of elastic bitumen which is found here, overlying a mass of mountain limestone, on the south side of the quarry. Besides this a great mass of limestone on the north side of the quarry has become so saturated with the bitumen that when placed in a fire it burns with a clear, bright flame. In this last-mentioned limestone I found an internal cast of Euomphalus Dionysii, two species of Productus, two of Athyris, one of Spirifera, and a beautiful specimen of Conocardium minax. Leaving this interesting quarry we proceed to the Blue John Mine in Traycliff. This mine is the grand depository of the amethystine or topazine fluor spar, locally called “‘ Blue John,” to distinguish it from ‘ Black Jack,” or zinc ore. This substance is composed of lime and fluoric acid, the most penetrative and corrosive of any acid known; the blue colouring matter being oxide of manganese. Descending by a flight of steps, a narrow confined passage is reached, that winds between the rocks. From the roof of this passage stalactites are pendant, whilst in the sides orystals of carbonate of lime glisten. After descending for a short time, CASTLETON. 65 the variegated cavern is reached—a large chamber, said to be upwards of -100 feet in height. But this is not the only large chamber that has been discovered through the labours of the miners. Some distance from this cavern is the one called ‘‘ Lord Mulgrave’s Dining Room ”—a large cavity about 150 feet in height, and 60 feet in diameter. But the most beautiful of all the chambers is that called the ‘“ Crystallised Cavern,” a large dome-shaped cavity, the height of which is estimated at 100 feet, and whose sides are adorned with numerous stalactites, that sparkle like stars when it is lighted up. Another of the Peak mines is the Speedwell Mine, the gallery of which was originally excavated by a company of proprietors in search of lead ore. Access to the interior of this mine is obtained by descending about 104 steps, then by proceeding in a boat along a level or tunnel, the result of the miners’ operations, to the Grand Cavern, a vast vaulted chamber, fashioned by natural forces in the heart of the mountain, the height of which has never been ascertained, but is supposed to exceed 500 feet, since rockets capable of ascending 450 feet have been sent up and have exploded and thrown out their coruscations as fully as if they had ascended beneath the vault of heaven. On one side of this chamber is an abyss which has never been fathomed. On the day that I visited it a vast body of water was pouring into it from some of the old workings, which precipitated itself into the chasm with the noise of thunder. This was owing to the rain having fallen almost incessantly for some days, as in the usual course of things visitors are able to throw stones down and hear them bound from side to side for some minutes. The greatest of all the Peak caverns is the ‘ Peak Cavern,” or “ Devil's Hole,” the approach to which is through a ravine by the side of the stream which issues from the cavern. At the termina- tion of this ravine there is a magnificent natural arch in the solid rock, 120 feet wide, and 42 feet high. The mode of progress in this cavern was formerly by a boat for short distances, but latterly, for the convenience of visitors, passages have been made by blasting the rock. After proceeding for some distance a large chamber, called the “ Grand Saloon,” is reached, about 220 feet square, and in some places 120 feet in height. Leaving this apartment by means of a steep and rugged path- way, the “‘ Chancel” is reached, and then descending by another path the visitor arrives at the ‘“‘ Devil’s Cellar.” The other large chambers in this cavern are ‘“‘ Gloucester Hall” and ‘‘ Great Tom of Lincoln,” the latter being so designated from its having a regular concavity in the roof resembling the form of a bell. On the eastern side of the Castle Hill runs Cave Dale, a rocky glen, in which the mountain limestone is well exposed. The approach to this narrow defile has rather a forbidding aspect, the entrance being by a cleft in the hill-side not more than five feet wide. Passing this the dell widens out and gradually ascends for about amile. As the visitor ascends towards the summit he passes on his way a singular column of toadstone, not unlike in appearance to the basaltic 66 CASTLETON. columns of the Giant’s Causeway, and obtains lovely views of the old keep of the Castle and of the hills separating Edale from Hope Dale. In this dale the geologist will meet with a rich variety of fossils. Cardiomorpha oblonga, Rhynchonella pugnus and pleurodon, Terebratula hastata, Spirifera glabra, Conocardium minaz, and species of Nautilus may be found. Cave-hunting in this dale has been carried on successfully by Mr. Rooke Pennington. He discovered some time since underneath the keep of Peveril Castle a small cave, which has furnished a few articles, showing that it had been occupied by man at various periods from the (so-called) Neolithic age down to a comparatively recent period. Amongst the relics obtained were a shilling of Queen Elizabeth’s reign; pieces of old-fashioned pots of a later reign, mingled with bits of “rude pre-historic pottery ;” bones of the Celtic Short Horn (Bos longifrons,) goat (Capra hircus,) and hog. Of animals not connected with man there were many teeth and bones of the fox (Canis vulpes,) badger (Meles taxus,) and a skull of the water-rat (Arvicola amphibia.) Of imple- ments, &c., there was a tooled piece of stag-horn, an iron spike, two flints, a piece of jet, part of a bone comb, and a magnificent bronze celt. _ There was thus a distinct proof of this cave having been used, first, at some remote period as a place of sepulchre, by the presence of human teeth and a fibula ; and, secondly, at a more recent period by the indications above- mentioned, as well as by the discovery of an antler of a red deer, half- sawn through and then broken off, and the bones of a dog and of a hog. Another notable place in the neighbourhood of Castleton is the ““ Winnats ” or Windgates, a narrow defile between lofty limestone cliffs, through which the high road to Manchester formerly ran. Exceedingly wild and grand is the appearance presented by this pass; on each side stupendous piles of mountain limestone rise to a great height, with their summits split and rent into a variety of forms, some assuming the shape of ruined castles; in some places huge, buttress-like masses protrude into the road, whilst in others lie shattered fragments of rock which, having become detached from the hillside above, have been hurled down, and are seen scattered abroad in wild profusion; whilst at the lowest part of the defile a gigantic pile of rock, round which the road winds, appears to close in the ravine. Opening out from Hope Dale are numerous other dales of great loveliness, as Edale, &c. ‘The origin of these may be traced to denudation, the action of water having, in the course of ages, swept away the Yoredale shale where it occurred, leaving the harder rocks which form the hills in situ. To this cause the origin of most of the undulating scenery of Derbyshire must be attributed, streams that descended from the heights having first undermined the softer strata and then carried them away. Good examples of the action may be seen on the lower flanks of Kinder Scout, and notably at Mam Tor; and where only the lower limestone beds occur it is not to be doubted that water has been the chief agent in excavating the dales—first by cutting out subterranean channels for itself, as in the case of the before-mentioned caverns, and CASTLETON. 67 then, the roof of the cavern having fallen in, by gradually widening it, and 80 converting a cave into a ravine. Similar instances of this kind of action I have also met with at the base of Ingleborough, in Yorkshire. The district of which Castleton is the centre is one in which the student of the marvels of creation will find much to instruct and interest him. Here he will find a record of some of the changes to which our globe has been subjected at the hands of Him who by His Almighty fiat said ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered into one place and let the dry land appear ;’ who has settled the bounds of the different animals inhabiting the same, and who has fitted it for the welfare and happiness of man, the last and greatest of His productions. PROFESSOR EDWARD FORBES AND HIS COUNTRY. BY ROBERT GARNER, F.L.S. Since any district or hunting-ground which is appropriated to the study of natural history loses much of its productiveness and interest if it does not embrace a portion of the seaboard, or, at any rate, if there is no occasional excursion mado with the object of studying marine zoology and botany, the following paper relating to one portion of the Isle of Man may not be out of place in the “ Midland Naturalist,” especially as its coasts, together with those of North Wales, are more easily accessible to Midlanders than any others, and the island is especially rich in all marine productions, whether botanical or zoological. When the writer of this paper saw for the first time the still-regretted Naturalist whose name occurs at the head of it, he could not fail to be struck with his intellectual appearance, juvenile look, expressive eyes, and somewhat truant hair. This was in 1839, as he spoke in his section at the meeting of the British Association at Birmingham, the year and place, we think, which gave birth to the Red Lion Club, consisting of himself and other congenial spirits. His then auditor, who was also his senior, little expected that so many years after his death, (which took place in 1854,) circumstances which may be termed fortuitous would bring it about that himself, with tastes not very different from those of poor Forbes, should become acquainted with the family estate, and be domiciled for a time at the homestead which belonged to him; also hear his praise from the worthy old Manxman who accompanied him in his rambles and dredgings ; to whom, as to all with whom he had intercourse, he became much endeared. The old man recounted, amongst other things, with what glee Forbes found a rare Arca (tetragona) in the mud which filled the valves of a Modiola; his gowrmandise in respect to the raw mollusks of the scallops, (called tanrogans by the natives ;) his long and lithe fingers allowing nothing to escape them; and the interest he took in a beetle which the narrator brought to him—three-spined, and which burrowed in the roads—probably a Typheus or bull-comber, (Anglice.) 68 PROFESSOR EDWARD FORBES. Edward Forbes was born at Douglas, in 1815, and was conse- quently but thirty-nine at his death. His mother was the heiress of Corvallo and Ballabeg, near Ballaugh. He was of a stock not only adven- turous, but speculative, on the male side. In the wreck of the family estates, which had become involved previous to his succession to them, he only succeeded in saving a portion—that above alluded to. The old parish church is close at hand, a mile at least from the village, but is now a disused and picturesque edifice ; the surrounding enclosure contains one of the Runic memorial stones so general in the island; but a more inter- esting stone, at least to the naturalist, may be seen in the otherwise unin- teresting modern church, a tablet raised in 1858, principally through the aid, we believe, of Sir R. I. Murchison and other.scientific friends, to the memory of the professor, the inscription ending so— His mother was a native of Ballangh, Here he spent many of his boyish days, And on the sea-coast of this parish He commenced his system of dredging. His bust is also placed in the Court House at Peel. He went up to London, when a young man, with the determination to become an artist, but his friends saw reasons to dissuade him from such a career, and, by so doing, the world may, perhaps, have lost a clever caricaturist, but probably not a painter. His tastes next led him to turn to geology and natural history; but at that time natural science was considered only as an appanage of, or a relaxation in the study of medicine, and, therefore, he had to go through the curriculum of the latter profession, which, however, he had little taste for. In producing his geological and zoological bias it is probable that his residence in Manx-land, and the natural features of that country, had an influence; and to these features we may further advert taking them in connection with himself. For more, perhaps, than any other man he made the natural history of his native island his study, though our late friend, Mr. Cumming, did much. As regards his geological bias—the southern four-fifths, at the least, of the island are composed of metamorphic and Cambrian slates and other succeeding palzozoic rocks,and are more or less mountainous; the northern and lesser portion is of a very different formation—boulder clays and drifts resting on a foundation which is nowhere visible, and of problematic nature. The surface here is mostly a sandy plain, with an occasional bog or curragh marked by a curious and luxuriant vegetation ; in some places, however, the sand forms many rounded hills, and, besides, many ancient mounds and other earth or stone works mark the surface. Thus, on the estate we have especially alluded to is an antiquity combining the stone circle with the earthen barrow—a mound of earth with its periphery supported by large quartz stones. The glacial deposits are found high up amongst the hills, and at a lower level, as displayed along the sea-cliffs, there are truly wonderful accumulations of gravel and fragments of rocks, without any stratified arrangement ; larger boulders, too, are washed out of the clays in the valleys, or by PROFESSOR EDWARD FORBES. 69 other means perched on the hill sides; and such as are of white quartz have been used to mark boundary lines, or are often placed round ancient interments as already instanced. On Maughold Head, at about 300 feet of elevation, lies a large “‘ erratic block” of greenstone, strongly marked with grooved and crossed lines. Above, and filling up the ploughed surface of the earlier accumulations, are horizontal deposits of sand, peat, and marine shells, the latter such as now live in the sea close at hand, but deposited higher than its waves can nowreach. On this north- western part of the island, the coast is of a nature to disintegrate, the wind redistributing the sand into “broughs” or hills, imperfectly kept together by the growth of lyme-grass and mat-weed; at the extreme north—the Point of Ayre—the sands, probably thrown on shore by currents, are drifted by the same agency into parallel undulations or ridges, much like the waves of the sea—a truly barren waste, adorned with little but gorse, a plant, however, here not wholly despised, but chopped in windmills for fodder. North of Peel there is a narrow tract of old red sandstone forming the sea-cliffs, and of it the venerable cathedral of St. Germain is in part built; itis there strangely pitted and honey- combed, apparently by the action of the winds. The fragments of shells seen in the hardened sands in this part of the island are perhaps due to wind-drifts. It is in what we may term ‘“ Forbes’s Parish” that the remains of the great deer or elk (Megaceros) principally occur, entombed below the peat of the curragh, and reposing on a bed of shell-marl of fresh-water formation, not much more than twenty feet above the sea level. These curraghs must be partly of recent and partly of pleistocene formation—to use Forbes’s term ; the latter, because when the elk lived here, its range could not have been so limited as it must have been if the isle were as we see it now.* The curraghs are of interest in other respects, especially to the botanist. The Osmunda is the common fern. Willows, such as Salix pentandra, &c., S. fusca, and its many varieties, the sweetgale, the bog-bean, the marsh cinquefoil, milfoil, and several other rarer plants, also occur in them. Pulegium vulgare is common in wet clay, and on the dry, sandy road I found Silene Anglica, Papaver Argemone, several species of rose and sweetbriar, with, however, but one Rubus (fruticosus.) Ona dry bank, near Jurby, was a remarkable potentilla, (P. hirta,) scarcely indigenous, though found also near Perth. How the plant got here it is difficult to conceive. The landscape is somewhat drear, the church towers the most conspicuous objects. Little streams, originating in the marshes, with difficulty find their way to the sea, and enter it, like the Callane, between the sand hills, forming little coves, interesting from the numerous marine plants growing about.t It was in these streams and in the curragh that Forbes fished for Limnezi and Planorbes. * In a specimen obtained by the writer, but broken below the snags, the measurement from the centre of the forehead to the extreme end of the right horn would be, in a direct line, 4ft. 6in. : " + Arenaria peploides, Pyrethrum maritimum, Cerastium tetrandrum, Eryn- gium, Glaucium, Beta maritima, Atriplex laciniata, Triticum loliaceum. No es “ shells are recorded, except such as the writer noticed, unless otherwise notified. 70 PROFESSOR EDWARD FORBES. By ascending one of the glens, south of Ballaugh, but still in that Sheading, (so called,) we are soon in a different kind of country—in the heart of the hilly part of the island, quite sub-alpine in character. Here the mosses are not low and flat, but commonly high and inclined, becoming constant feeders to the rivulets. They abound with the usual plants—Drosera rotundifolia, Pinguicula, Anagallis tenella, Scutellaria minor, Hypericum elodes, Wahlenbergia, Aspidium Oreopteris, Lycopodia, Bryum punctatum, and, no doubt, others. Frequent waterfalls are here formed, where the streams flow down their rocky beds, and especially where they leave the slate rock for the boulder clays, which the water more easily scoops out. Such is the case at the Spoogt-vane, a pretty cascade, situated in a retired amphitheatre, south of Ballaugh. It is less frequented than Rhenass or Glen Meay, and to some, therefore, perhaps as pleasing, though these are certainly romantic, the last even approaching the grand, where the river finally trends through the rocky ravine to the sea. There are the remains of a Treen Church in the wood, near the Spoogt-vane Cascade. The river abounds with a small dark-coloured trout.* [0 BE CONTINUED. ] THE RAY AND PALAHONTOGRAPHICAL SOCIETIES: AN APPEAL. BY W. R. HUGHES, ESQ., F.L.S. As the principal object of our Union is to promote the study of Natural History, I venture to bring before its members the claims which these admirable Societies have to their sympathy and support. Perhaps no better illustrations could be given of the successful combination of numbers in effecting results, which are equally beyond the reach of private means on account of their costliness, and of public enterprise on account of the risk and uncertainty of sale, which many of the publications—mostly of a technical nature—would involve. It is, therefore, not too much to say that, except for the existence of these Societies, many most valuable works in Natural History—on which the talented authors have devoted years of labour as well as much expense—would never have been published. Having, at the request of my friend, Mr. Wm. Mathews, jun., M.A., F.G.$8., (who held the office of local honorary secretary to both Societies for upwards of twenty years,) undertaken to succeed him in the duty of collecting the subscriptions and distributing the volumes, and thus feeling more than an ordinary interest in the welfare of the Societies—this circumstance must be my apology for introducing the subject to the notice of the members of our Union, many of whom are doubtless more familiar than I am with the splendid works which they have issued. * Tgathered Hypericum androsemum, and Hieraciwm sylvaticwm below the fall; and at Glen Meay, Vicia sylvatica and Erodiwm maritimum. /, Ue mets se oe ee eee . ' RAY AND PALXONTOGRAPHICAL SOCIETIES. 71 The Ray Society was founded in the year 1844, and “had its origin in a wish expressed by the late Dr. Johnston, of Berwick, to some of his scientific friends that some means could be devised for printing such works in Natural History as stand in need of extraneous assistance to secure their publication.” Many of the honoured pioneers who constituted the first Council—names then and since celebrated in almost every branch of Natural History—have passed away, but some happily survive. Among the latter may be mentioned Professors Babington, Balfour, Busk, and Owen, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, and Sir P. de Malpas Grey-Egerton, Bart. The first officers were—President, Professor Bell; Secretary, Dr. Lankester; Treasurer, Dr. Bowerbank; and Auditors, Messrs. E. J. Quekett and Robert Warington. The number of members was 225, the subscription being one guinea each. The first annual meeting was held on 2nd October, 1844. Since that date the number of members has increased to more than 400 at the present time, and a sum of about £22,700 has, during the thirty-three years that have elapsed, been expended in the publication of thirty-three Standard Works or Monographs in various departments of Natural History. It would be interesting to append a list of these, but space will not permit, neverthe- less, I cannot refrain from mentioning the Monographs of the Nudibran- chiate Mollusca, by the late Messrs. Alder and Hancock; the Cirripedia, by Dr. Darwin ; the Spongiadz, by the late Dr. Bowerbank ; the Oceanic Hydrozoa, by Professor Huxley ; and the Fresh Water Polyzoa and Tubu- larian Hydroids, by Professor Allman, (for the last of which the Royal Society’s Gold Medal has recently been awarded,) as being among the most elaborate and costly works that have ever been issued. To give an idea of the liberal way in which these works are produced it may be interesting to mention that the cost of the publication of the last named work— without, of course, a single farthing being paid to the learned author— inclusive of paper, printing, engraving, colouring, and binding was £900. The following volumes of this Society are nearly ready, viz., Spongiade, Vol. IV., Aphides, Vol. I1.; and the co ee Vol. I.; and many other interesting works, are contemplated. It is probable that the success which attended the establishment of the Ray Society may have induced geologists to wish for a similar organisation for the publication of works on paleontology, which scarcely came within the scope of the operations of the former Society. For this they had not long to wait. ‘“‘The Palxontographical Society was established in the year 1847, chiefly through the exertions of the late Dr. Bowerbank, for the purpose of figuring and describing the whole of the British Fossils, and has since that period issued thirty-one quarto volumes, containing 8,552 pages and 1,259 quarto plates, and has described 4,623 species of British Fossils, illustrating the plants, corals, echinodermata, crustacea, mollusca, fishes, reptilia, mammalia, &c., of the geological formations.” Like the elder Society, the Palzontographical has lost many of its original members who formed the first Council. Those who survive are Professor Bell, Sir P.de Malpas Grey-Egerton, Bart., Professor Prestwich, and Mr. Alfred White. The first officers were :— 72 RAY AND PALAZONTOGRAPHICAL SOCIETIES. President, Sir H. De la Beche; Treasurer, Mr. Searles V. Wood; Secretary, Professor Morris; and Auditors, Messrs. A. G. Melville and J. Tennant. The first list contained 362 subscribers, who have since increased—notwithstanding losses, deaths, &c.—to nearly 500 at the present time, and the amount expended in Monographs during the thirty years of the Society’s existence has been £21,200. The plan of publication is similar to that adopted by the Ray Society. Hach subscriber of one guinea is entitled to receive a quarto volume, containing from forty to fifty quarto plates and necessary letter-press. It is not found practicable, on account of the comprehensive character of the Monographs, to issue annually one complete work at a time, and consequently as many as six parts of various Monographs have sometimes been included in the volume. These may be collected and bound together subsequently or the series may be left in chronological order as issued, easy reference being had to any Monograph in particular from the comprehensive indices prepared by the Secretary. In the volume for 1878 there will be eight parts, including two new subjects—the Liassic Ammonites and the Fishes allied to the modern Ceratodus; the completion of an old Monograph —that on the Merostomata; and a particularly interesting treatise on the relation between the Pleistocene mammalia and those of the present historic periods together, the estimated cost being £800. The following are among the more remarkable works published by this society :—The Carboniferous and Crag Foraminifera, the Fossil Corals, the Polyzoa of the Crag, the Echinodermata of the Oolitic and Cretaceous Formations, the Mollusca of the Crag, Eocene, and Great Oolite Strata; the Fossil Brachiopoda, the Fossil Merostomata, the Trilobites, the Belemnites, the Carboniferous Fishes, the Reptilia of the Liassic and Wealden Formations, and the Mammalia of the Mesozoic System, and of the Pleistocene and Crag Formations. The Council state in their last Report that ‘‘many years must elapse and many additional writers be enrolled ere the task of figuring the whole of the fossils of the Brigas area be completed.” It has been attempted to be shown within the compass of this necessarily brief account what thorough good work the Ray and Palzonto- graphical Societies are doing to advance the cause of Natural History. From the figures already quoted, it will be seen that an aggregate of more than forty-three thousand pounds, or an average of £1,300 per annum, has been expended by both Societies in little over thirty years, and this, be it re- membered, has been purely voluntary, and without any help whatever from Government, but frequently supplemented by considerable pecuniary assistance from the talented authors, to whom the subscribers are indebted for the works themselves. It is evident that, with larger resources, the use- fulness of both Societies might be greatly extended. At present, for each guinea subscription, the issue is one volume per annum, which might be increased to two if means justified the respective Councils, and thus the publication of many additional valuable works, some of which have appeared for years in the Prospectus, and then been withdrawn, could be undertaken. It would be a graceful act if every Society in our Union, not on the lists, would subscribe, as well as each working naturalist, RAY AND PALS NTOGRAPHICAL SOCIETIES. 713 individually. Everyone would find something to interest him in one or other of the Societies, and his influence, when once secured, would again influence others. Some of the earlier Monographs are out of print, and already fetch high prices in the second-hand booksellers’ catalogues, and, therefore, upon the mere ground of ‘‘an investment” subscribers may rely that they will get their ‘‘money’s worth.” The number of sub- scribers within the area of our Union, a radius of eighty miles, is not more than thirty or forty to both Societies together; a very small number indeed, when we consider its wealth and the number of those who take an interest in Natural History. The subscriptions were due on ist Jauuary last for the current year, so that each member now subscribing will be entitled to the forthcoming volume. Specimens of the recently published works may be seen at my office, 23, Union Street, Birmingham, where I shall be glad to receive the subscriptions of intending subscribers. The Rev. Thomas Wiltshire, M.A., F.G.S., 25, Granville Park, Lewisham, §.E., is the able Secretary to both Societies; and he will, I am quite sure, with his usual courtesy, give any further information that may be desired. THE WEATHER OF JANUARY, 1878. BY W. J. HARRISON, F.G.S. In the following columns we have the pleasure of presenting to our readers by far the most complete monthly return of the Temperature and Rainfall of the Midland Counties which has ever appeared in any publi- cation. It embraces returns from about seventy stations, including three distant points—Carlisle, Ventnor, and Altarnun Vicarage, Cornwall— the returns from which will be useful and interesting for comparison with our own central stations. Many deficiencies, however, remain to be supplied, and we shall be pleased to give information as to descrip- tion and cost of meteorological instruments. The influence of the weather upon animal and plant life is a branch of the subject to which we would direct special attention, and we trust to receive many notes for February as to the time of opening of our ordinary spring flowers—Snowdrops, Primroses, the Speedwell, Hazel, Pilewort, (Ranunculus ficaria,) Dog’s Mercury, and Coltsfoot for example. In this matter our readers generally could render important help. Reverting to the weather of the first month of 1878, the figures we print below show unanimously. that while the rainfall was below the average, the temperature, especially for the first three weeks, was decidedly aboveit. The maximum rainfall at nearly all stations was on the 27th, but only at Buxton (1°36 ins.) did it exceed one inch in depth. There are one or two returns in which a heavy fall is entered on the 28th, but this we suspect is caused by entering the rainfall to the day on which it was measured. The rain-gauge should be emptied daily at nine a.m., and the amount entered to the preceding day. The temperature desired is that in the shade at 4ft. above ground, (thermometers in a Stevenson’s stand if possible.) If instruments are placed otherwise it should be noted on the form. We shall be pleased to forward forms for the purpose of recording observations to all who will help in the work of making this record of the weather of the Midlands as complete as possible, and all forms should be filled up and sent within the first week of the ensuing month to Mr. W. J. Harrison, Town Museum, Leicester. B 74 THE WEATHER OF JANUARY. TEMPERATURE. RAINFALL. ‘Ss |Greatest fall/..d /Gr STATION. OBSERVER. Es a in 24 hours. z b &|—————l|c8 In.|In.| Date. |4 #|-°8 GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Cainscross, Stroud .......... W. B. Baker, Esq. ........ 1:87] °78} 28 11 |55°0 SHROPSHIRE. Haughton Hall, Shifnal -|Rev. J. Brooke .....00+.-0 2°02} °73| 27 16 |55°0 Thorganby Villa, Shifnal....|G. C. Broom, Esq..........+ 1:88} °61) 27 17 WIL ONUT CH yeetelaiceeleiciels A. B. George, Esq., M.D. ..| 2°66) *67 8 20 Woolstaston ........05 Rev. Bi DIGarr ive cseeden oc 2°86] °89) 27 21 |58°5 Leaton Vicarage .......se00s Rev. E. V. Pigott .-| 185] 56) 27 19 [55:0 More Rectory, Bishop’s Castle|Rev. A. Male ,. 2°28] 59) 27 21 |58°0 Larden Hall, Much Wenlock... ; bb) 27 17 Bishop's Castle " 58) (27 18 [52:0 Cardington ...... Rey. Wm. Elliot 64] 27 16 Adderley Rectory.... -|Rey. A. Corbet .. 63} 27 24 HEREFORDSHIR Wihithleld! Misch. Greece W. Wheatley, Esq. ........ 1:49) 54) 27 =| 17 PACT DL. onioee spit a e'civispisie ss T. A. Chapman, Esq. ...... 1:48) -57| 27 16 |57'8 GBS USS aera yam cee Rev. G. E. Alexander ...... 154] *62) 27 16 [55°0 WORCESTERSHIRE. . Orleton, Tenbury...........- oH. Daisy HS: ocscesneet 183} ‘71) 27 18 [56°8 MTOR LG Ve ecisiesenistct e cesetticie ce R. B. Belcher, Esq. ........| 2°04) °62) 27 20 West Malvern ........0..... A. H. Hartland, Esq. 1:96] ‘51) 27 19 |52°5 PENH OLA nis sieplsics anaes isan E. B. Marten, Esq. . oe|5208] “57] . 27 21 \54°0 Stourbridge... cs coi ss cence Mr. J. Jeffries... 0.0..scee0s 1°94) 57) 27 14 |56°0 STAFFORDSHIRE. RS HULABOM een cree cts ce eteeiale Wer scdtte kupas.ecssceoet cae 815] *70} 37 15 |53°8 AmbleGote v5. dccasseesusease Mr. J. Robins... 158) °55) 27 16 |56°0 Dudley Mr. J. Fisher ... 1°90} °56} 27 17 |52°0 Sedgley Mr. C. Beale . 177| ‘66) 27 16 |52°0 Kinver .. Mr. T. Bolton. . 2°06) *59} 7 23 |56°0 Walsall Mr. W. E. Best . 2°04] *53) 27 21 Grammar School, Burton... io U. Tripp, Esq. 2°38] 58] 27 21 |55°0 Patshull Gardens ............ DOW, ell Ragga scarp cmsete 92] °63} 28 12 |54°0 Weston-under-Lyziard R’tory Hon. & Rev. J. Bridgeman} 2°16} °63) 27 23 |53°0 Wrotiesloyitsteteccesteebacns E. Simpson, Esq. ........0- 1:96] *68) 27 16 |54 AYE WOT ois Gs ain cicisacare oh sie cle We Arnold) Gd. .. FOO] Me tl ‘y i A = ORs Ss iA = 9 a SSalernP Liriog ragohee Process, F S ih the Oper of a Yoo € ( Af & Sachs \ of mare , ( Asa mars Wadival (Grete Uv Le q Pa ee i=. _ ee ae” ae alae | > Kshs) wees rewire es Rr eo red stk | wees ts re 7 * = = A i * Lite G. Preece by a bem phieys SilenF. dirloe rapehic Process, ° Ee z eed (efcre Pre Sreud Natlaral S17's?o ry Sociely fro a Sketch ly alocal delereator.’ LLALE 1 fE. > Seder cet by 3 LLumpprey3 Salene Prive rajehre Process, = eB Ss Prdrviced lefive fie Sreud e yalural SL15!07 Sociely FILER a SKE Pefr by a Local AelLIereae0 os fi Ais Sl « eH, 7” qi ° - AUTOGRAPHIC PRINTING. 15: contained in the present number, is £3 12s., or without the rolling press, for which an ordinary copying press may be substituted, £2 2s. The gelatine plates, when used, will be exchanged for new ones by the patentee, at a very low price. Tach plate will yield from 150 to 200 perfect copies, according to the style of drawing. When larger numbers are required, the best plan is to take an impression, while the plate is at its best, with transfer ink on transfer paper; if this be sent to a lithographer, more than 5,000 prints can be obtained from each of such impressions, thus multiplying, almost indefinitely, the number of exact — facsimiles which can be produced. There is a great advantage in being able to transfer to stone, as any number of sketches can be combined together, or with letter-press printing. The latter is effected by taking an impression from the type with transfer ink, which can then be placed upon the stone with the drawing. The autographic process is superior to lithography in the delicacy of its results. The only care required in making drawings for this purpose is to keep the lines as fine as possible, and to use only open shading. It is especially applicable to cases where only a limited number of copies is required, as for circulars, examination papers, music, &c., which can be printed at home, but, above all, for securing a record of any original microscopical or other observation; the drawing can be made without any elaborate preparation, and the absolute fidelity of the copies ensured. Wena G. METHOROLOGY OF THE MIDLANDS. THE WEATHER OF MARCH, 1878. BY W. J. HARRISON, F.G.S. Want of space compels the compression of the monthly meteorological article, so that, instead of printing the remarks from each station in full, we must be content with a general summary. Notwithstanding this, we trust that every observer will continue to favour us with as many details as possible, especially of any remarkable occurrences, and of those facts in relation to animal and vegetable life whichimpart tometeorology much meaning and interest. We have quoted the references by our observers to the now famous ‘“‘ Hurydice squall” of the 24th of March in a special note. March opened with charming and genial weather, ‘‘ Coming in like a lamb,” but it left us with a very ill grace, ‘‘Going out like a lion,” thus literally reversing the old proverb. Temperature rose to 61° at Sedgley, on the 7th; and to 60° at Belvoir Castle (7th,) Worksop (1st,) and Dudley (1st.) The nights were very cold from the 22nd to the end of the month, the Cheltenham return of 12°2° (and on the grass 8°5°) on the night of the 25th, being very remarkable. Rainfall was decidedly below the average, and in most places the heavy land was so hard and dry that sowing was rendered impossible. Frequent falls of snow were experienced in the last week, those of the 27th and 28th covering the ground toa depth of 4in. for 5in. At Much Wenlock buttercups were in blossom on the 3rd, and the Wood Anemone on the 6th; Coltsfoot, Daffodil, and Palm, near Hereford, on the 7th. The Chiffchaff was heard at Kibworth on the 21st, and the small Bat seen flying near Stroud on the evening of the 8rd. The remarkable squall of the 24th is noticed separately. 134 THE WEATHER OF MARCH. RAINFALL. | TEMPERATURE. Zs Greatest fall). Greatest ht./Great'st cold STATION. OBSERVER. 3 ,| in 24 hours. |© >-|———___—~ . a= } | S 3 ret Rreettars D aia 2 Z| Deg) Date |Deg} Date. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. | Cainscross, Stroud .......... W. B. Baker, Esq. ........ 186) ‘75 2 9 (56.0 1 220 26 Cheltenham .........s..0005 R. Tyrer, Esq. ............) 0°90) °24/1,24,031) 7 (563 7 |122). 25 HerquE! Fcoies shied co erp any S.J. Coley, Bsq. ...+.+ +»-| 156) *59 i 8 68°0 no SHROPSHIRE. : Haughton Hall, Shifnal ....|Rev. J. Brooke ..,.........| 1°12) ‘24; 28 18 56°0 1 240/28 & 24 WIECH UZON jie se'secp'e'ni-'s |Greatest ht.Great’st cold STATION. OBSERVER. 5 a in 24 hours. | © > In |In.| Date. |\7=|Deg, Date. |Deg) Date. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Cainscross, Stroud .......... W. B. Baker, Esq. . -| 3°92} -97/10&11 | 14 |640 17 —‘|24°0 1 Cheltenham R. Tyrer, Esq. ..... -+|3°27| °84) 10 18 |66°0 }27 & 30)29°4 1 BELOW cess access cle seeeee(S. J. Coley, HSq. ..-ssceeee 8°56] °87 10 18 |68°0 |28 & 80/285 5 SHROPSHIRE. Haughton Hall, Shifnal ....)/Rev. J. Brooke ............ 1:98] -47| 28 15 |63°0| 29 |25°0 1 Whitchurch ................/A. B. George, Esq. . 1°97} *50} 20 15 |67-0 80 820 25 WOOIBEARLOM): Sec: ssasecss cus Rev. E. D. Carr....... 185) °27) 17 20 |69°0 80 |24°5 1 Leaton Vicarage, Shrewsbury|Rev. E. V. Pigott ..... -}2°10) *59) 23 19 |66°0 28 1250 1 More Rectory, Bishop’s Castle|/Rev. A. Male ............- 150} *31) 19 19 |65°0 |28 & 80/230 1 Larden Hall, Much Wenlock. .|/Miss F. R. Boughton ...... 166} *40/ 10 20 Bishop's Castle ........e.+008 EK. Griffiths, Esq. .......... 133} °22) 29 19/650} 28 |23°0 5 CatdingeONn eavetaccicesccacene Rev. Wm. Elliot .......... 177| ‘31) 10 16 Adderley Rectory............ Rev. A. Corbet ....cccssecs 194] 50] 19 15 REGKGERY) occ sinusivenanierawese Rev. J. D. La Touche......}| 1°22) 19] 29 19 [64:1] 80 234 1 HEREFORDSHIRE. Whitheld 2... cccccscnsnenes W. Wheatley, Esq. ........ 3°36) 125) 10 20 Stoke WbpA mecca at cenennecies Rey. G. E. Alexander...... 2°58} °62) 10 17 |640} 380 (810 8 WORCESTERSHIRE. Orleton, Tenbury....... ---../T. H. Davis, Esq. ..........| 2°56} “48) 10 20 |65°2 80 /25°3 1 West Malvern .......... +-.-|A. H. Hartland, Esq. ...... 312/124) 10 | 17 [680] 28 {81:0 1 Pedmore .....-+sesse00++--/K, B. Marten, ESQ. ........ 2°24) 43) 90 14 |65°0|27 & 28/820) 3&6 Stourbridge.......... coveevee| MY. J. SOMTICB....ceceeeeees 2°37) “44) 20 16 |68'0|19 28 29)24°0 8 St. John’s, Worcester ......../G. B. Wetherall, Esq....... 2°55] ‘b6} 10 16 |64°0 |29 & 80/260 1 STAFFORDSHIRE. Thorganby Villa, Wolverhmtn]G. J. C. Broom, Esq. ......|2°27| *41| 20 i BarlastOn......cccevscecscocs W. Scott, Esq. ... 191] -41) 90 ll 660} 29 {218 2 AMBIGCOLS) Socio cs cioces cece Mr. J. Robins. 195} -44) 20 15 |81°0 |22 & 28/290 5 Dudley . --|Mr. J. Fisher . 2°14) -421 90 14 |63'0 /28 & 29/280 1 Sedgley. Mr. C. Beale ..... »..|2 11) °86] 20 15 |62°0 }28 & 29/320 8 Kinver . Mr. W.H Bolton.......... 1°96) °88} 20 | 15 \690] 29 /270 6 Walsall... Mr. WaRi Destin. ceaseless 2°06} °58} 20 | 15 [630] 28 |32:0/8 5 & 6 Grammar GNU: Mrinp) Msg! Sacescstes 188] -42) 19 16 |68°0| 28 |25°0 1 Patshull Gardens .. iE Wenball Wags conse cess 195) 83} 18 | 11 |700] 28 |24-0 1 Weston-under-Lyziard R'tory|Hon.and Rev.J. Bridgeman] 193) -47} 23 17 \68'5 28 25:0 1 IWEOELOMIDY tacst seve semesacen's E. Simpson, Esq. .........+ 2°30] °50} 30 14 |646] 29 |246 i Tamworth ........seeeeseee. W. Arnold, Esq..........00+ 197) 49} 20 | 17 Alstonfield Vicarage ........ Rev. W. H. Purchas ...... 179) °37] 19 | 10 j652] 29 |19°0] 2% Tean Vicarage, near Cheadle!Rev. G. 'T. Ryves .........+ 2°26) 43] 19 15 |65'0} 29 |25°0 1 The Heath House, Cheadle..|J. G. Philips, Eisq........... 2°20) 45) 19 14 |640} 29 |26°0 1 WARWICKSHIRE. Coundon, Coventry .......... Lieut.-Col. R. Caldicott ....|2°21) °87] 20 15 |65:0| 80 |300| 5 COVERY. «0. seesesscerecscees J- Gilson, HSq....ccessceses 2°04) -32) 20 15 |750} 29 |240 1 Bickenhill Vicarage.......... W.'R. Capel, Wsq.........05 197} -45] 20 14 |63'0} 27 |27°0 1 St. Mary’s College, Oscott..../Rev. S.J Whitty.......... 1°95} -41] 20 14 [641] 28 [266 1 Henley-in-Arden ............ T. H. G. Newton, Esq...... 2°67) °b2) 21 15 |67:0 28 230 1 Rugby School ....... Speer Rey. T. N. Hutchinson ....} 1°99] -49) 20 18 |660} 29 |28°0 1 DERBYSHIRE. BUXtOn .eececcescdscerencccun E. J. Sykes, Esq. ........ ..| 2°44) 50] 20 13 |601| 14 [264 uJ Brampton S. Thomas........ Rev. J. M. Mello .......... 156/ *65| 20 11 |65'9 |29 & 80/240) 1&5 Stoney Middleton...... seeee-(Rev. U. Smith ............ 186) -45) 20 18 |62°0| 28 |200 5 Fernslope, Belper...... eeeeee J. G. Jackson, Esq. .......- 147) *45] 20 | 18 |64:0/28 & 29/25°0 1 Matlock Bath .............- . Chadwick, jun., Esq.....} 1°56] 53); 20 12 |60°0 |28 & 29/23 1 Linacre Reservoir, Ches’field/C. K. Jones, Esq. ..... 167] °59} 21 12 Willesley Gardens, Cromford..|J. Tissington, Esq. 156] -74) 20 7 Stuffynwood Hall Mr. R. Rolfe.... .| 156] °65| 20 13 |€8'0|14 28 29/29°0 6 Spondon ...... -(J. TD. Barber ....0.56 eeeee| 220] *46] 20 | 10 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Hodsock Priory, Worksop ..|H. Mellish, Esq. .......... 175] 99} 20 | 10 |65:3] 939 240) 12 Grove House, Mansfield ....|W. Tyrer, Esq. .......... .-| 1°53] 61) 20 14 |65°0} 29 [25°0 1 Miietord, seccceo serene seeeee(J. N. Dutty, Haq......006 ..{177}1:00] 20 650} 28 [820/28 & 4 LEICESTERSHIRE. Longhborough ........+ «.+..1W. Berridge, Esq..........| 1°76} *49} 20 12 |668| 28 240 5 Ashby Magna........sssssees Rev. Ei. Willed ow cccptccees 158} -44] 20 12 |72°0)} 29 |260 1 Market Harborough ........ S. W. Cox, Esq. .... oie Sed 2°20) °55} 20 12 |63°0| 80 240 6 Kibworth....... wewveeceseuce T Macaulay, Esq. ........ 1:90} ‘56) 20 18 Town Museum, Leicester ....|W. J. Harrison, Bsq. ...... 157] “47) 20 14 [64-0] 29 |27°2 uh Belmont Villas, Leicester....|H. Billson, Esq. .......... 1°62] -49| 20 14 [67°-)| 28 [265 1 Aydkotencceccs cree deeestt J. Hames, jun., Esq. ...... 183} 66] 20 | 16 |700) 28 |260)/ 1&6 Waltham-le-Wold BABal Wiad eaesmsawe cases 1°63} 90} 20 11 |63°0} 29 240 1 Little Dalby Hall G: Jones, WS. 6. ...cceesne 1°72} -90) 20 13 680} 80 |22°0 1 Coston Rectory, Melton...... Rey. A. M. Rendell ........ 156} -89) 20 11 |63°8 29 «1190 6 Belvoir Castle W. Ingram, Esq. .........- 1°48} °91) 21 11 |67'0} 30 25:0 6 Thornton Reservoir Seiiele deen cusee ante Sikvivintes ainihely » 146) *40/ 20 Bradgate Reservoir..........].... onsiddape cavansovennee 151) *44) 20 * _ NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. Towcester Brewery........../J. Webb, Esq..... “SRasor ed 2°36] 46) 20 16 Castle Ashby ..... --|R. G. Scriven, Esq. ........ 2°22) °b1) 20 15 |670} 80 {310 5 Sedgebrooke . --/C. A. Markham, Esq. ...... 1°95} ‘50] 20 16 |71°0|29 & 80)22°9 1 Kettering..... oeld. Wallis, Haq. ...ssecccece 194} *54] 20 12 [65°0| 380 j24°0 1 Althorpis 6.20... ..|W. I. Jakeman, Esq. ......}1°71) ‘41) 2 M4 |\670} 80 = |240 6 Northampton ..... san eeenne H. Terry, H&q, <.+re. 184} 50} 20 | 18 \670} 380 [290] & RUTLANDSHIRE. Burley-on-the-Hill . --|W. Temple, Esq. . oes [1°92] °95; 21 18 680 28/210 1 Tickencote ..... - |W. Hayes, Esq. . +e» / 2°28] "83} 20 ld [610} 16 )260 7 OXFORDS Radcliffe Observatory... Mies MICAS -sevsas ens ieee 2°30; ‘78} 10 11 (68'0} 80 j284 65 CUMBERLAND. Spital Cemetery, Carlisle ....|'T. Bell, Esq. .........-000+ 289/127) 20 M4 683} 21) «(278 4 ISLE OF WIGHT. Ventnor Hospital............ Hartley Sagar, Esq. ...... 2°86) *52) 10 19/663] 26 [818 1 CORNWALL. Py Altarnun Vicarage ........../Rev. G. Tripp.....seeeeeeee 3°59) 58) «1 21 '68'0)} 28 |29°0 THE WEATHER OF APRIL. 163 We have received many interesting accounts of the arrival of our migratory birds, and, as the cuckoo and swallow are recorded by numerous observers, their respective times of arrival may be shown in a tabular form :— | F B - z hs Ea : Fi (pte te Oe A sae 2) 8 2 8 ea] | 5 3 = gq a 2 m2 By roe nm ° a c 7] g 3S < S J s S a eB r= = < | m Z 2 =) = oO — Ss 2) 3 S = = > 5 2 ° =) ) = J e=| TE! = ap g aS = 4 i=] to ig 2 S = = a ° Sia 3 =| S z & n i= = P| =) =) Z = a = BH jo .S) R | = Bg ea a Say sl ey Cuckoo........ 20 26 80 29 29 16 20 2 6 S| ars) 26 28 Swallow ...... 380 22 22, 22 | 22 22 26 23 25 The nightingale is also recorded from Sedgebrooke and Castle Ashby on the 23rd, and Kibworth on the 18th. At Oscott three sea-gulls were noticed flying from the N.E. at 2 45 p.m., on the 24th. A fine lunar halo was seen on the 12th. Correspondence. Briuwiant Merror on Apri 2np, 1878, at 7 56 p.m.—Did any correspondent see anything of this last night. It was about 80° high, and of a bluish white colour, very fine and brilliant, and of large size, and came slowly down in a direction a little west of south. I did not see the end of it, on account of a high building blocking the view, but hope other observers were more fortunate.—WitLiam ARNoLD, Tamworth. Primvuta VuLeARis.—We have in our garden a number of roots of Primula vulgaris, which, so far as I know, have not been moved for several years. Some retain their original colour and form, others have altered to different shades of red, whilst some are white, and in two cases the calyx has become petaloid, a green stripe remaining to represent each sepal. On one plant the inflorescence is an umbel and the flowers are dark crimson, with a cream-ccloured spot on the margin of each petal; (I have found a similar inflorescence on the ordinary yellow prim- rose.) Can any of the readers of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist” tell me the reason of these changes ?—M. E. C. PRUNELLA VULGARIS.—I observed the white variety of Prunella vulgaris pretty plentifully two years ago near Birnam, in Perthshire, but did not examine it sufficiently closely to say whether it corresponded with the description given of it by Mr. Mott at page 136.—H. F. Jounson, Nottingham. Moss CataLocur.—It may be usefulto the readers of Mr. Bagnall’s papers on mosses to know that ‘*The London Catalogue of British Mosses,” compiled by C. P. Hobkirk and H. Boswell, 1877, can be obtained of Mr. T. B. Blow, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, price fourpence. It contains a list of the species found in Britain, including those discovered since the publication of ‘‘ Bryologia Britannica,” arranged according to the system of Professor Schimper, who is the greatest authority upon the mosses at the present day.—J. §., Bridgnorth. Tue Direction oF Roration.—A small animal, which had received an injury to one hemisphere of the brain, was affected in such a way that it continually rotated upon its own axis, and some time ago a discussion took place as to the direction of this rotation. The question 164 CORRESPONDENCE. was whether it rotated from left to right or from right to left, and in the end there seemed to be an opinion that it depended ‘‘ upon how you looked at it.” In a similar way, if a climbing plant is said to twine from left to right in ascending, different meanings will be found to be attached to this simple statement by different persons. But such indefiniteness would be intolerable, and a clear, precise rule has long been laid down, which if well understood will speedily decide every question of the kind. When an object rotates or revolves, its motion must be performed about some central axis, which remains for the moment relatively fixed. Suppose yourself to be this axis, and fix your attention on some particular point of the object. This point will, during some part of its course, pass over your breast ; if, while doing so, it crosses from right to left, the rotation or revolution is said to be from right to left, and vice versa. The hop and the honeysuckle are said to twine from left to right; this means that if you suppose the plant coiled round your own body, the growing point will move from the left to the right hand, in passing over your breast. Similarly, the scarlet runner and the passion flower twine from right to left. The hands of a watch, placed face upwards, turn from left to right, as also does the sun in our hemisphere, but in the southern hemisphere he moves from right to left.—W. B. G. Wuirr Varieties. or Pirants.—Perhaps Mr. Mott will be pleased to know of another locality for the white variety of Prunella vulgaris. found it growing near the shores of Llyn Coron, (the habitat of Elatine hexandra and Hydropiper,) in Anglesea, where it was rather plentiful and very showy; it certainly appeared to be a well-marked variety. In Nant Francon occurred the white form of Digitalis. I have also gathered it near Birnam Hill, Perth. The rare white Lamiwn purpurewm may be found in Northants, on the site of Rockingham Forest ; and some young friends of mine brought me specimens from cultivated fields, near Hardingstone, in this county. Perhaps the most singular albino ever found was Papaver Rheas, perfectly white, but in other respects similar to the type. On the borders of L.’Ancresse and the Grand Havre, Guernsey, the white form of Hrodiwm maritimwn was prevalent, almost to the exclusion of the ordinary form ; and, as Prof. Babington pointed out in the Prim. Flore Sarnice, the flesh-coloured variety carnea, of anagallis arvensis, is frequent on the Quenvais, Jersey, and L ’Ancresse, Guernsey. I have gathered white Campanula rotundifolia at Aberglaslyn, at Harleston, Northants, &., &c. Hrica cinerea, white, at Kingsthorpe, Northants; Calluna vulgaris, white, at Harleston, Northants; and Conwy] in Carmarthenshire. One of the most lovely albinos I ever saw was Menziesia polifolia, which I gathered in Kylemore Pass, Connemara, Geranium Robertianum, var. alb., occurs in Northants, at Rothersthorpe ; Scabiosa columbaria on the Downs, between Lewes and Brighton ; Carduus arvensis and acanthoides in Northants, at Yardley Gobion ; Campanula latifolia, white, at Troutbeck, Westmoreland. In concluding these scattered notes, I might just add that the locality for the white form of Erodium maritimum and moschatum, the sandy shores of the Grand Havre, and portion of the Braye du Valle, Guernsey, was also the habitat for the Silene quinquevulvera, which exhibited there its richest colours and most type-like appearance, and for the variety modestum, of geranium Robertianum.—G. C. Drucez. Gleanings. Mossrs.—We have Mr. Bagnall’s second article ‘On the Study of the Mosses” in type, but are reluctantly compelled to withhold it till next month, in consequence of the illustrative plate not being quite ready. GLEANINGS. 165 Dr. Coppotp.—We have much pleasure in stating that at a general meeting of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society, held on the 30th ultimo, Dr. Cobbold, F.R.S., F.L.8., &., was unanimously elected an Honorary Vice-President of the Society. The appointment was made on the recommendation of the Committee, pursuant to the provision of Law VILL., in consideration of Dr. Cobbold’s distinguished researches in Natural Science and of his liberality to the Society. Dr. Darwin is the only Naturalist who has received a similar honour. AvtToerapHic Printinc.—In reference to the plates at the end of the May number of the “ Midland Naturalist,” it is necessary to state that they are not perfect specimens of Mr. Pumphrey’s process. Owing to the necessity of printing a large number, lithography had to be employed as an auxiliary, as mentioned in the description, (p. 132,) and the delicacy of the lines was thereby completely destroyed. Besides that, some of the drawings were unsuitable, for the process has its faults, like most others, and it requires a little experience to produce the best results by it. “THE Otp Cross” is the title of a new shilling quarterly magazine for Warwickshire and the neighbouring counties. The first number has just been issued, and is published by Messrs. Curtis and Beamish, Coventry. Itis edited by Mr. W. G. Fretton, F.S.A. The contents are varied and interesting, the range of subjects being wide enough to suit the tastes of all classes of readers. There are several articles on Archeology, local Topography, and History; a capital one on ‘‘ Sand and Sandstones,” a biographical sketch of Mendelssohn, several good tales, some poetry, notes and queries, chess problems, &c. We warmly recommend ‘“ The Old Cross” to the attention of our readers. > + + Aeports of Societies, DSTO AMEE UT ON BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—April 9th. Biological Section—Mr. Blatch exhibited Trichiosoma lucorum, the large saw-fly of the hawthorn, and described the peculiarities of its metamorphoses, and its mode of extricating itself from the cocoon. Mr. J Bagnall contributed and described microscopic preparations of the rare mosses, Dicranella Schreberi, Hedw., Dicranella Grevilleana, Br. and Sch., and Trichostomum cylindricum, Br. and Sch., and several other rare species; also, on behalf of Mr. Spinks, Podura aquatica, from the Lower Grounds, Aston. Mr. A. W. Wills then read a paper on “ Freshwater Algze,’ which will be found in the present number, being a continuation of one recently presented to the Society, and printed at page 113 of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist.” The paper was illustrated by numerous specimens, living and mounted, which were shewn in the microscopes of the Society, and in those of various members who kindly lent their instruments for the evening. The thanks of the section were accorded to Mr. P. H. Gosse, F.R.S., for his kind present of a copy of his papers on _ Bellidia Huntii and Hancockia eudactylota, two supposed new genera and species.—April 30th. Special General Meeting.—It was resolved that a fund for increasing the apparatus and library be provided by a voluntary annual subscription amongst the members. The following exhibits Were made :—By Mr. Bolton, spawn of a Mexican Lizard; by Mr. Slatter, spawn of the Perch (Perca fluviatilis ;) and by Mr. Levick, Stentor polymorphus and Cephalosiphon limnias.—General Meeting, May 8th.—Exhibited by Mr. Southall, two leaves of Calla thiopica, with the petioles united; by Mr. Hughes, Sepiola Rondeletii, one of the smallest of the Cephalopoda; by Miss Hadley, a flower of Primula Auricula, with the calyx largely developed, the upper part being leaf-like, and the lower part coloured like the corolla; by Mr. Badger, speci- mens of Aucuba Japonica and A. vera, male and female, both in flower, female Specimens with the flowers of the present year, and berries of the two preceding years. Mr. Lawson Tait read a paper on Cephalopoda, and illustrated it largely. 166 REPORTS. CHELTENHAM NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY.—March 2ist, 1878.— Dr. T. Wright, M.D., F.R.S8.E., President, in the chair.—F. Day, Esq, F.L.S., F.Z.S., &c., delivered an address on ‘‘ Freshwater Fishes.” He entered into the various questions—What is a Fish? How does it live, move, and continue its kind? Where do we find the first traces in the globe we inhabit? ‘The importance of tracing out geological distribution; and, lastly, how fish have influenced human manners, customs, and commerce? By diagrams he explained the main divisions of the animal kingdom, and showed the several classifications that had been made from time to time, stating that the latest, dividing them into three, viz., Mammalia, Sauropsida, and Ichthyopsida, appeared to be the least objectionable. He gave a very interesting account of some recent experiments made with the Salamandar to prove that, though now it is normally born an air breather, it can be converted back again into what seems to have been its original form—one of the Amphibia having gills. He described the exterior skeleton of various fishes, their mode of progressing through the water by their fins, and how very strangely in some forms these become modified. He next took the scaleless forms, which he described. He then referred to the interior structure of fishes, noting the swim-bladder in its two distinct forms, both of which, by aid of specimens, he fully explained; then to the respiratory organs, giving the result of experiments that had been made to prove that some could not exist without air, particularly the Walking Fish, (Ophiocephalidw,) and the length of time others could remain out of the water. He next reviewed the breeding of fishes. He exhibited some eggs taken from the mouth of male fishes. He referred to the fact that some species of frogs also carry the eggs in their mouths or pouches, not only until the young are hatched, but are old enough to take care of them- selves; and as many as fifteen little tadpoles have been found in the pouch of the Rhinoderma Darwinti. He closed his remarks on this part by reference to the inter-breeding of fish, particularly amongst Carp and Herrings, and the difference that existed in such hybrids, adding that this fact deserved very attentive consideration, as new forms may be thus brought into existence, or that some of our genera do not deserve such a name, in fact may be but varieties, further remarking that if fishes of two genera can inter-breed, and the offspring is not barren, but can again inter-breed with one of the parents, he could scarcely imagine but that such a proceeding would rapidly efface the distinctive marks. He next took some of the senses, omitting hearing, sight, smell, and taste. He showed how fish have feelings and emotions, quoting observations of Dr. Cantor on the Fighting Fish of Siam, (Macropodus pugnax,) and the case of our own little Stickleback. He then referred to the geological features of his paper, and how there was a time when fish apparently did not exist. He showed that their distribution, and the appearance of the same species at distant places, were matters that would much interest the Geologist, and would tend to prove upheaval of parts of the Earth’s crust. He con- cluded a very able and _ interesting paper by touching on the part fish may have played in early days in developing commerce, and furthering religious institutions particularly in India and Egypt, and how in later daysit became a Christian emblem. Major Barnard, Rev. W. Symmonds, and others joined in the debate on the paper, to all of whom Mr. Day replied. The Rev. W. Symmonds also asked if the president would not give a paper on Fossil Fishes at some future day. This he agreed to do, and, after a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. F. Day for the paper, the proceedings terminated. April 18th.—Dr. T. Wright, M.D., F.R.S.E., in the chair. Auditors were re-elected, and F. D. Longe, Esq., F.G.S., read a paper on “The Relation of the Crust to the Interior of the Earth,” a resumé of which will appear in a future number of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist.” DERBYSHIRE NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY.—May 7th.—The Rev. W. H. Painter read a paper on “Fossil and Recent Cephalopoda.” The species naore frequently met with upon the coasts of England, the Cuttle-fish, (Sepia officinalis,) the Squid, (Loligo vulgaris,) and the Poulpe, (Octopus vulgaris,) having been alluded to, with their weapons of defence and offence, Mr. Painter described the arms and suckers of Onychoteuthis Bartlingii found in the West Indies, and compared them with those belonging to English species. The Cephalopods are divided by Prof. Owen into two orders, founded on the gills, (branchie)—Dibranchiata, and Tetrabranchiata, the latter of which comes first in geological time. Several genera were mentioned as occurring in the Cambrian Period, and specimens were exhibited of Phragmoceras ventricosum, Orthoceras REPORTS. 167 Ludense, Lituites, wherein they differed from each other being pointed out. The family of the Nautili was next traced, beginning with the Nav¢zli of the Silurian, proceeding to the Clymenia of the Devonian, and the Goniatites of the Carboniferous, the differentia of each order being clearly shown. The family of the Ammon- itide was dwelt upon at some length, the position of the siphuncle in the species being shown, and specimens exhibiting the foliaceous markings being produced. A specimen of the operculum of the Ammonite, from the lithographic stone of Solenhofen, was exhibited. Other genera, belonging to this family, were briefly touched upon, viz., the Crioceras, Turrilites, Ancyloceras, Scaphites, Toxoceras, Hamites, and Baculites. In treating of the Dibranchiata, the Geoteuthis of the Oxford clay, with its preserved ink bags, was mentioned; also, the Omma- strephes, represented by the recent Ommastrephes sagittatus of Newfoundland; the Belemnites, with their three component parts; the Pelemnitella, the Belemnoteuthis, the Sepia, represented by Sepia officinalis of our coasts, the Beloptera, the Belemnosis, the Spirulostra, the Argonaut, the use of whose arms was fully explained, so exploding the pretty fable respecting them; and the Spirula levis of New Zealand. This paper was illustrated by several choice Specimens as well as by drawings. DUDLEY AND MIDLAND GEOLOGICAL AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY AND FIELD CLUB.—The first Field Meeting of the season was - held on Monday, April 29th, and included visits to the Netherton anticlinal, Hales Owen Church and Abbey, and the Leasowes. There were present Mr. Charles Cochrane (president) and about fifty other members, including many ladies. Assembling at Dudley Station, carriages were taken to Netherton Church, where the Rey. 8. J. Marriot met the party. Walking down the hill to Brewen’s Tunnel, over the canal, a fine section of the axis of the anticlinal was observed, which was well described in a paper read by Mr. G. Jones. Crossing the canal, Messrs. H. Doulton and Co.’s clay openwork was visited. Here a very fine section of the Coal-measures is exposed, and some good specimens of Coal- measure fossils were obtained. Re-crossing the canal, a walk was taken through the Saltwells Woods to the Saltwells Inn, where luncheon was provided. After examining the baths and mode of using the brine, the Rev. J. H. Thompson gave a short address as to the origin of the salt spring. Entering the carriages again, the way was taken to the outcrop of the Aymestry or Sedgley limestone at the Hayes, where Mr. Cochrane gave a short description of the fossils he had obtained there. Here also a very interesting, though now partially obscured, section of the Coal-measures was seen in the cutting of the Hayes branch of the Great Western Railway. From here the drive was continued to Hales Owen Church, where Archdeacon Hone met the party, and described the restorations that had taken place. After visiting (by permission of Mr. Green) the remains of the Abbey, a walk was taken (by permission of Mr. Gibbons) through the grounds of the Leasowes, after which the party returned to Dudley. A conver- sazione was held in the evening, at the Museum, by the invitation of the Dudley members, where a good selection of microscopes and other objects of interest were displayed.—On Tuesday, May 21st, the second Field Meeting took place, and was to Trysull, Pattingham, and the boulder district. EVESHAM FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB.—Meeting held Wednesday, May ist, at the Evesham Institute, Mr. J. S. Slater in the chair. The first excursion of the club was fixed for Saturday, May 11th, to Ragley Park, and if that was impracticable to Mickleton. The following dates of the first appear- ance of some of the migratory birds were reported, almost all by Mr. A. H. Martin :—April 12th, Chiff-chaff, Wryneck ; 15th, Sand Martin, Swallow; 16th, Nightingale ; 19th, Whitethroat, Cuckoo, Sedgewarbler ; 20th Sand-piper; 21st Goat-sucker, Swift ; 25th, Nightjar; 30th, House Martin. Mr. Doeg produced some Blue-lias fossils from a brickyard, which had been given him by a workman there for the Club. Also a specimen of Testacella taken with several others in a piece of garden ground adjoining the town. NOTTINGHAM LITERARY and PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.— NATURAL SCIENCE SECTION.—May 8th.—Mrcroscorican Mretinc.—A paper was read by Mr. J. Rogers, F.R.M.S., on “ Mounting objects for the Microscope.” May 22nd.—Annuat MEeErine. 168 REPORTS, ETC. NOTTINGHAM NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY.—April 17th.—A paper on the ‘““The Teredo, or Shipworm,”’ was read by Mr. B. §. Dodd. May 1st.—Lecture on “ Australian Natural History,’ by Dr. Bancroft, formerly president of the society. May 15th.—‘ Fertilization of Plants,” by Mr. C. L. Rothera, B.A.— Several afternoon excursions have been made during the month. OSWESTRY AND WELSHPOOL NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB AND ARCHAHOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—First Excursion for 1878 on Thursday, May 9th. A visit was paid to Selattyn, near which were found Botrychium Lunaria, Havenaria bifolia, and Myrrhis odorata. The route then lay along the line of Offa’s Dyke, which is very plain here. A quarry of mountain limestone was also visited, where specimens of Lithostrotion juncewm and irregulare were found, together with other mountain limestone fossils. The junction of the limestone with the millstone grit is shown near Carrybig, and from thence the party walked to the limestone quarries at Llawnt. TAMWORTH NATURAL HISTORY, GEOLOGICAL, AND ANTI- QUARIAN SOCIETY.—April 15th—The Rey. Brooke Lambert, M.A., B.C.L., read a paper entitled ‘The Slough of Despond, and how to bridge it.” An animated discussion ensued. May 6th.—A paper was read by Mr. Alfred Lucy on ** Meteors and Meteorites,” in which he pointed out that certain streams of these bodies occur periodically both on the same date, and coming from the same quarter of the heavens, owing to the earth’s orbit crossing their tract. The high velocity of meteors protects us from the vast number which fall, by causing such friction with the atmosphere as not only to render them luminous but convert them into vapour by the intense heat. The connection between orbits of meteors and orbits of certain comets was shown and explained by Mr. Lucy, who also described the new theory of the origin of both meteor and comet streams. A discussion followed, and a hearty vote of thanks was awarded.—A rich collection of spring wild flowers was exhibited by Miss Harding. WOOLHOPE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.—April 23rd.—Annuan Merrtinc.—Mr. Theophilus Lane was appointed secretary in the place of the late Mr. A. Thompson. The President (Mr. J. Griffith Morris) delivered his retiring address. A large part of it was devoted to ‘‘ Mycology,” a subject to which the club has for many years devoted much attention. This portion cf the address isso valuable and important that we shall in future numbers publish it in full—The first Field Meeting of the year was held on Tuesday, May 28th. The members left Barr’s Court Station at 9 40 a.m., to reach Ledbury at 10 23 a.m., where they were joined by members of the Malvern Club. They then proceeded to ‘* The Wonder,” where an address on “ The Geological Features of the District” was given by the Rev. W. 8. Symonds, M.A., F.G.8., &c.; and afterwards drove through Much Marcle, visiting Kempley Church, where some ancient ‘‘ Mural Paintings” have been recently discovered; returning by Haffield to Ledbury. By Dr. Henry’s kind permission, the members were allowed to visit the Camp at Haffield, and other objects of interest there. WEST LONDON ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—May 3rd.—Haur- YEARLY Mrnrinc.—The following officers were elected for the ensuing six months :—President, Mr. Mapleson; vice-president, Mr. Smith; secretary, Mr. Timms, re-elected; curator, Mr. Silecock; treasurer, Mr. Dow, re-elected; librarian, Mr. Maycock, re-elected. On May 6th Mr. Meek took two specimens of that rare noctua, Y. conspicillaris, at Darn Wood. On May 12th Mr. Russell took NV. trepida at Highgate Wood. EXCHANGE. Wanted, Side-blown Eggs in quantities; good value offered in other varieties ; over 200 species to choose from.—Sissons, Sharrow, Sheffield. ANNUAL MEETING, 169 MIDLAND UNION OF NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETIES. ANNUAL MEETING AT BIRMINGHAM. The business:of the First Annual Meeting of the Union commenced at Birmingham on Monday, May 27th. The Council met at twelve o’clock, and, having transacted the necessary preliminary business, adjourned to the Queen’s Hotel, where, at half-past one o’clock, the President of the Union, Mr. Edmund Tonks, B.C.L., entertained them and the officers and past Presidents of the Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society, and some other of his Birmingham friends, at luncheon. At three o’clock the Annual Meeting of Members was held in the Lecture Theatre of the Birmingham and Midland Institute, the PRESIDENT in the chair. There was a large attendance, including Dr. Cobbold, F:R.S., (London,) Rev. W. H. Elliot, (Caradoc Field Club,) Rev. C. F. Thornewill, (Burton-upon-Trent Natural History and Archexologigal Society,) Rev. O. M. Feilden and Rev. G. G. Monck, (Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists’ Field Club,) Major Barnard, (Cheltenham Natural Science Society,) Mr. C. T. Musson and Mr. A. H. Simpson, (Nottingham Naturalists’ Society,) Mr. I. Mosley, (Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society,) Mr. E. B. Marten and Mr. E. Hollier, (Dudley, &c., Geological Society,) Mr. G. New and the Rev. J. C. Odgers, (Evesham Field Naturalists’ Club,) Mr. T. Heath, (Derbyshire Naturalists’ Society,) Rev. Dr. Deane, Rev. H. W. Crosskey; Messrs. W. R. Hughes, S. Allport, Sam. Timmins, T. Anderton, Lawson Tait, C.J. Woodward, W. G. Blatch,G. H. Twigg, W. H. Cox, C. E. B, Hewitt, and many others, including several ladies, and the Hon. Secs. to the Council, Mr. W. J. Harrison, (Leicester,) and Mr. Edward W. Badger, (Birmingham.) The cireular convening the meeting having been read, the Presipent delivered the following INAUGURAL ADDRESS. ° As this is the first general meeting of the Associated Natural History, Philosophical, and Archzological Societies and Field Clubs of the Midland Counties, it is a matter of regret that the association at a period of its existence so critical has not as its President some member distinguished by his researchesin Natural Science, and experienced in the organisation of scientific study, who might have guided its first steps in the right direction, and elaborated a scheme for its future action worthy of the occasion ; whereas I, who am versed in no department of Science or Philosophy, and have only the accidental qualification for the office of being the President for the year of the Society, some of whose more active Members originated this Union, can only perform perfunctorily the duty devolved on me by my position. Under these circumstances the time of the meeting will be more profitably expended’ in considering and discussing the best means of perfecting the organisation of the Society, than in listening to my crude remarks ; it will therefore be my duty to make these remarks as brief U 170 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. as possible, in order that they who have schemes for rendering available for a common object the scattered energies of the large body of earnest students in the several societies of the Union may have an opportunity of submitting them for consideration. Such views as I have on the subject I willlay before you. The Union now consists of twenty-one Societies, and is, under its existing constitution, managed by a Council consisting of two Members from each of the Societies: that is, of forty-two members, with the prospect of increase. This managing body is far too large for efficient work, and I suggest that the present Council be converted into an electoral body, who shall appoint a committee for the general management of the affairs of the Union, consisting of say ten members, the Editors of the organ of the Union—the “ Midland Naturalist ””—to be members ex officio. Ibelieve by this means more concentrated attention to the work would be secured, and a larger attendance at the meetings, for when each individual member of a large committee has to travel far, and sacrifice much time to attend a meeting, he will be but too ready to excuse himself on the ground that with so many others his presence will not be necessary; the inevitable consequence will be meetings rarely attended, and probably by different members on each occasion. It is of the utmost importance that a careful selection of men interested in the work be made in the first instance, and as far as possible the same men be present when the continuous work of the Union is transacted. T earnestly recommend that the subscription to the general funds of the Union be reconsidered ; it was fixed at the ludicrously insufficient sum of one penny per member ;* if it be intended that any real joint work shall be done, and the organisation utilised as it may be, a larger though still moderate subscription is absolutely necessary, and may be profitably expended ; it is premature to enter into details of this expenditure, but I may mention as an illustration of the necessity that the cost of the programme of the proceedings of this meeting would alone exhaust the whole revenue of the Union, and this is only one of many other items of legitimate expenditure for which provision ought to be made out of a common fund. The pages of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist” form an excellent medium of intercommunication for the Members of the Union, and all of them, for their own and the general interest, ought to subscribe to it. This journal at present is the only offspring of the Union; although young, it is lusty and full of promise; it may be safely prophesied that as long as it succeeds, so long will the Union flourish ; it is, in fact, our Palladium, our existence depends on its success. Such as can must render its pages interesting by contributions of the results of their observations in the various departments in Natural Science; all must help to secure its commercial success; we are bound in honour to do this, for as we have *At the first meeting of the representatives of the several Societies then proposing to join the Union there was a division of opinion as to the subscription which would be necessary to carry out its objects, and it was only by a majority fixed at a penny per member, upon the representation that such sum had been found to be sufficient by the experience of the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union; since which date the Yorkshire Union has, in a cireular addressed to its members, (printed in this number, p. 180,) called attention to the obvious inadequateness of this subscrip- tion to defray the necessary expenses. INAUGURAL ADDRESS. ity SS a ss sss Ss EEE been relieved of the risk of its publication by the liberal action of the Proprietors of the Midland Counties Herald, no indifference on our part must leave loss to fall upon them; a subscription is no mere contribu- tion towards the common weal, full value is returned for it. Under the excellent editorship of Mr. E. W. Badger and Mr. W. J. Harrison, the journal has been so conducted that, if the progress exhibited in the first five numbers continues, it will speedily acquire more than a local fame, and the United Societies, when it is established on a firm basis, may with legitimate pride point to the “ Midland Naturalist ” as the first work of, and a sufficient reason for, their Union. But we have other duties besides those which tend to secure the success of our local organisation; we are British as well as Midland Naturalists, and ought by all means in our power to aid in extending the usefulness of those representative Societies of our country, of world-wide reputation, whose reports, transactions, and other publications, form in a great part the basis of the knowledge we possess of the various subjects of our studies; probably many of you consult these reports and trans- actions for the valuable information they contain, well contented if your local library possesses them, without giving a thought to the cost of their production. But, however distinguished may be these Societies, they are maintained by the subscriptions of their members, and their publications are limited, and consequently their utility, by the measure of their funds; many precious treatises, the results of the long observation, and earnest thought of some of our best observers of Nature, are, for lack of the means of publication, lost to science, and the energies of succeeding Naturalists have to be wasted in going over the same ground again, which might have been more profitably expended in working out new discoveries. It is the duty of every true Naturalist, who can afford the few guineas necessary to constitute membership. to join these Societies, and aid the general cause of science by increasing their means of utility. The Societies to which I especially refer are :—The Linnean Society, which was founded in 1788 for the cultivation of Natural History in all its branches, and more especially the Natural History of Great Britain and Ireland. The Geological Society of London, instituted in 1807, for the investi- gation of the Mineral Structure of the earth. The Zoological Society of London, instituted in 1826, for the advancement of Zoology, and the introduction and exhibition of subjects of the animal kingdom alive, and in a state of preservation. The Entomological Society, founded in 1833, for the cultivation of the knowledge of the structure, uses, habits, and functions of the Insect tribes, both native and foreign. The Ray Society, founded in 1844, for printing such works in Natural History as stand in need of extraneous assistance to secure their publication. And the Palezontographical Society, established in 1847, for the purpose of figuring and describing the whole of the British Fossils. The last two Societies are specially deserving of the support both of the several societies in the Union, and of the individual members; the 172 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. subscription to them is extremely moderate, one guinea per annum; and, as they are purely publishing societies, and do not hold periodical meetings for the reading of papers and discussion, the subscriber in the country has the full benefit of their operations. Generally one or more elaborately illustrated monographs are issued by each Society every year, exceeding in cost the amount of the subscriptions, as these have frequently been supplemented by considerable pecuniary assistance from the learned authors, who also devote their time and knowledge to the preparation of the works gratuitously. It appears to me that the individual members, or associations of them, of an organisation like this, who are scattered over a wide area, varying in its flora, fauna, and geological conditions, might turn to profitable account the peculiar opportunities afforded by their several districts in determining many unsettled problems in Natural History. Whatthese problems are I must leave to the decision of such of you as are skilled in the various branches of science; but I will venture to suggest one as an illustration of the kind to which I refer: What is that which determines the sexes of Bees? Is the sex an inherent quality of the egg, or is it modified in the development of the larva by circum- stances? Bees, always excepting their stings, afford very favourable opportunities of studying this question; and the knowledge we already possess of some of the peculiarities of the development of the one sex may help us in that of the other. Schirach, and afterwards Huber, taught us that the working bee is an imperfectly developed female, and to make the perfect femalo from the egg, which, deposited in a worker’s cell, would have produced a working bee, nothing more is necessary than sufficient room for its development, and special food during its growth from a certain stage. It appears a natural question to ask, if a modification of this kind will change a neuter into a perfect female bee, will a modification of another kind, that is, the peculiar size of the drone cell, and some unsolved treatment in nutrition, cause the egg to become a drone, which, deposited elsewhere, and treated otherwise, would have become a worker or a queen? It does not seem unreasonable to suppose that the determination of sex is only a question of room and nutriment, when we not only find these influences have such an effect in the arrested and perfected development of the female in bees, but we know that in mammals there is a period in the foetal growth when the sex is not determined, and the foetus may be called bisexual; and it is only at a further stage that the growth of the organ of the one sex is arrested, and that of the other developed. Possibly this problem has been solved, but in my limited reading on the subject I have not met with its solution ; however, solved or not, it will servé my purpose of suggesting a class of problems upon which the united power of the organisation may be usefully employed. As difficulties occur in the course of the investigations of individual members, they should be by them brought under the notice of the members of the Union generally, by publication in the “Midland Naturalist,” when the investigations can be taken up by such as have the special opportunities of observation requisite, with the probable result of a satisfactory solution in many cases. INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 173 —_—— A wide field of investigation is open to the patient Naturalist who will devote his energies to the study of that strange class of organisms, the parasites of man. Dr. Spencer Cobbold, the most eminent of British Helminthologists, who has recently honoured our local society by accepting the office of honorary vice-president, is now engaged in publishing, in the ‘“‘ Midland Naturalist,” a series of papers in which he brings before our notice the fact, that the complete life-history of many of these human plagues is yet untraced. Here is full and useful occupa- tion for such of you as have the necessary patience and application. The full career of some of them has been clearly demonstrated, through a series of metamorphoses more strange and bewildering than any we have read of in the fabulous pages of Eastern tale; wonderful as are the records of the Thousand-and-One Nights, no _ story related by Sheherazade is so full of marvel as that of the varying phases of the life-career of a simple cestode worm. In unravelling the thread of such a career, and distinctly tracing it through all its changes, you may by some happy discovery of the peculiarities of one or other of these formidable guests, gain the proud distinction of having conferred a benefit on mankind. At present we know what fatal mischief they work upon their hosts; but our know- ledge is not sufficient to enable us to guard effectually against their unwelcome visits. It must be that, in a union of so many desirous of penetrating the secrets of nature, some by education and tastes are eminently qualified for this difficult pursuit. Its utility ought to be a sufficient inducement to follow it, and the absorbing interest it would generate in its followers would be their sufficient reward. This special field of observation is not limited, as to its objects, to the ordinary entozoa and epizoa, which hitherto have been included in the lists of the Helminthologist; most of these are distinctly visible without the assistance of the microscope, which is only required for the examination of the details of their structure; there is evidence of the existence of a large class of organisms, whose interference with our vital economy is far more fatal than that of ordinary parasites; these are so minute as to tax the skill of the most expert histologists, and require the most perfect instruments to detect their existence. The generally accepted theory of their action appears to explain satisfactorily the course of many fatal diseases, as scarlet and other fevers, measles, small- pox, and, in fact, most of the diseases attributed to contagion ; but much more evidence is required to establish the theory on a firm basis. Already a large body of acute observers throughout the scientific world are engaged in pursuing this study; and the evidence obtained with reference to one particular form of disease—splenic or relapsing fever— appears to be conclusive, as numerous specimens of a peculiar form of Bacteria, called Spirilla, are always found to be present in the blood of persons while suffering from this fever, which disappear during the intermissions, and when the fever passes away. Other forms of Bacteria have been detected in the blood in other diseases; but much evidence is still required to distinguish and identify them as the several causes of the mischief in the varying forms of contagion, the search for which will 174 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. afford a worthy occupation for the best Histologists and Physiologists amongst you. It would be presumption on my part to attempt to teach Geologists their duty, but, subject to their correction, I suggest they might utilise their local knowledge in checking, and rectifying where necessary, the accepted geological map of the district; however correct it may be in its general arrangement, doubtless many details may be added to it which wouid materially increase its value. If the idea be thought worthy of adoption, the geologists of the Union may easily organise their labour so as to obtain the best effects from it, the district may be subdivided into sections, in each of which a sub-committee, bringing to bear its united local knowledge, could carry the work into effect with a completeness scarcely attainable in other ways. Ifthe attempt should prove successful probably other districts would follow the example, and ultimately, through our initiation, the country might possess a general geological map, with an abundance and an accuracy of detail, such as could only be produced by the well-ordered work of an army of enthusiasts. Our midland district is rich in the objects of the study of the Botanist and Zoologist; their branches of natural science are within the reach of every one, and the favourite pursuits of many. Of the almost infinite variety of vegetable and animal life, afforded by this fair field, much is unrecorded; aid in supplying this deficiency. Many great undertakings, which would be a tax too severe upon the individual member, burdened with the absorbing cares of his own vocation and family, may be successfully accomplished by division of labour, and the work devoted to their execution would be converted into recreation when subdivided and carried out in association with friends of congenial tastes, all equally eager to advance the progress of science. A system of interchange of specimens should be arranged, to supply from the superabundance of one district the deficiencies of another. This might be effected by an exchange column in the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist ;” and I recommend that, when an object of singular interest has been exhibited at a meeting of any society, the fact should be published in the same medium, and, so far as possible, on application by the secretaries of other societies, the loan of the object should be granted for exhibition throughout the Union; and further, it may be desirable on special occasions to extend the principle to papers of exceptional interest. By such and similar means the interest of meetings may be largely extended, more especially to the advantage of the smaller societies, and the districts with fewest natural advantages. The Union, if it contain a proportion of enthusiastic Naturalists equal to that of the Birmingham Society, as doubtless it does, will afford the means of organising extended marine excursions, such as to the coast of Ireland, the Mediterranean, or elsewhere, in search of new fields of observation in marine zoology, geology, and other branches of natural science, and realise the day dream of our distinguished marine zoologist, Mr. W. R. Hughes. As this class of excursion involves the necessity of chartering a steam yacht of capacity sufficient for open sea work, and INAUGURAL ADDRESS. es consequently a large total expenditure, a single society rarely contains a number of members having the leisure and means sufficient to form a company which will subdivide the expenses so as to reduce them to a reasonable amount per head ; but in the larger association the necessary number ought to be easily found. Such excursions, independently of the direct results which may be expected from the opportunities they afford for investigations of new sources of knowledge, would have the inestimable advantage of intimately associating for a lengthened period the best Naturalists of the district, whereby many valuable friend- ships may be formed, and thence some indirect benefits to science be expected to accrue. I can speak with,the more confidence on the subject, as I have enjoyed and witnessed the results of our own less extended excursions to such places as Teignmouth and Arran. I have heard the many expressions of satisfaction at the pleasure derived from the opportunities of friendly intercourse of members who previously were comparative strangers to one another, and noted with satisfac- tion the increase of practical knowledge gained of subjects, which before had been confined to the comparatively imperfect information to be derived from books. For the latter class of excursions association of the societies generally is not necessary, or even desirable, for the numbers of the members of the Union who would be willing to form a party to visit aplace of such surpassing interest as Arran, where the botanist, zoologist, or geologist can revel in the superabundance of objects of his special pursuit, would become unmanageable, as the means of accommodation in such places, although often very good, are but small ; however, it may be convenient for two or more of the smaller societies to associate for these excursions; probably the best number for the purpose is twenty, and the best destination, if not previously visited, and even then so many fresh objects might not be found elsewhere, is Arran. I have to the best of my ability endeavoured to show what may be usefully done by the Union. I have one suggestion to make to the indi- vidual members of the several societies. The Union is, speaking generally, strong in proportion to the number of societies of which it is composed; the societies in proportion to the number of their members. Tt is, therefore, the obvious duty of every member to induce his friends to join his society; he may meet with the objection on the part of his friends that 'they are not Naturalists; he must urge in reply that, although working Naturalists are few, all are interested in natural phenomena, and all can, by subscribing to its funds, assist a society which is working much good in cultivating intellectual pursuits and disseminating valuable knowledge. It is without doubt true that many are deterred from entering on the most engrossing and enchanting pursuit, which has even banished ennui and melancholy from its happy followers, by the mistaken idea that no progress can be made in it without painful application to the study of the technical details of the refined distinctions, which are supposed to be the boundary marks between one and another species or variety, and of the too often unmeaning and barbarous names violating all rules of grammar and 176 INAUGURAL ADDRESS. language, with which it has delighted many closet Naturalists to favour in such liberal profusion each individual in the organic and inorganic world as to render identification sometimes impossible ; but knowledge of this kind is not requisite to constitute a Naturalist. He who notes with intelligence the ever-varying phases of nature is a Naturalist. That title could not have been denied to Thomas Edward, whose charming biography by Smiles you all have, or ought to have read, before he had acquired in the later part of his life the art of classification 3 and he is not a perfect Naturalist who limits himself to the technical details of the science, but he who extends his observations to the habits, cultivation, use, and relation to the surrounding universe of every object of his scientific pursuit, may rightly claim that title. T hope it will not be supposed that I depreciate in any way the value of the exact study of the technical details of a science ; I merely protest against that view which would limit science to an index; books are comparatively useless without an index, but an index is absolutely so without the contents to which it refers ; many scientists never get beyond the index; in fact, they often appear to take pains to avoid giving details of general interest for fear their writings, by becoming intelligible and popular, should be damaged in their scientific character. Our forefathers did not arrange their plants under a system of classifi- cation so perfect as ours; but they knew much more of the plants themselves, and if the eclectic physician in the present day wishes to learn something of their properties, he does not consult a modern treatise but has recourse to a black letter herbal. Accurate knowledge of technical details is necessary as a founda- tion for the structure of the larger and more valuable knowledge of nature itself, and the acquisition of that technical knowledge brings with it other rewards; for the mental training, which results from the sustained exercise of the faculties upon a subject which requires so much application and precision, eminently qualifies the student for the business of life. I hope some of the energies of the Union will be devoted to the repression of those pirates sailing under false colours, soi-disant Naturalists, who, preying on nature, hunt after every rare and beautiful plant, or bird, or animal to destroy it, nominally on the pretence of obtaining specimens, which in many cases are not preserved, and even when preserved are useless for the advancement of science, whose real object is to gratify that passion for destruction unfortunately common to many, and a morbid craving for notoriety, to which numerous journals pander by publishing the disgraceful fact, as if it were a subject of interest and congratulation for the world to know that a beautiful living object and all its possible offspring had perished for ever; I sincerely hope our “ Midland Naturalist” will not soil its pages with any such records. The ultimate destruction of many of the most interesting of our fere nature in a country where population, buildings, and cultivation are rapidly extending, is inevitable, and only a question of time, but still much may be done to prolong their stay with us, and the Naturalist ought INAUGURAL ADDRESS. Nii to be their protector. Charles Waterton, the very type of the real Naturalist, proved at Walton Hall how much might be done by non- interference. The Park, under his care, was soon filled with birds and animals, who were attracted not by feeding and other artificial contrivances, but by its peaceful retreats, where they soon acquired the * knowledge that they might abide there undisturbed ; no gamekeeper was employed, norwas any gun or trap used for the purpose of keeping down vermin ; birds and beasts of prey had full liberty to range through those real preserves, where nature alone determined the balance; the result was, with no dearth of game, both great and small, a greater variety of other living creatures congregated on a limited area than can now be found in extended districts. There the Naturalist might study the habits of the various tribes which make the country beautiful, with an ease afforded in few other resorts, for freedom from interference had made them fearless and tame; elsewhere, with good reason, they dread the sight of man, and so far as is possible keep themselves out of his range. We cannot turn the whole country into a preserve like this ; the necessities of a teeming population must take precedence; but there will be yet for a long time many nooks and corners which will be fre- quented by the varied objects of our study, if we leave them alone, and content ourselves to— Look on this beautiful world, and read the truth In her fair page; see, every season brings New change to her, of everlasting youth ; Still, the green soil with joyous living things Swarms, ‘the wide air is full of joyous wings, And myriads still are happy in the sleep Of ocean’s azure gulfs. Dr. Spencer Copsorp, F.R.S., then addressed the meeting. He said he had listened to many addresses in years past, but he had never listened to one affording more pleasure, and more instruction and satisfaction, than that delivered by their President. He congratulated the President on his address, inasmuch as he had left no stone unturnéd in marking the course the Union should take. The range of the address they had just heard was very extensive. With whomsoever the idea of the Union of Midland Natural History Societies originated, he (Dr. Cobbold) must say that the thought was a most happy one; he had no doubt that the origin in the first instance might. be traced to the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Now the British Association had no doubt done much good work, but still its name was, to some extent, a misnomer. The British Association should be called ‘The British Association for the Diffusion of Science.” It had done its work well, inasmuch as it had set going many persons, in places where it had established what he might call a temporary home, and perhaps in no town had its effects been more felt than in the town of Birmingham. He thought the union of the Natural History Societies of the Midlands would really prove a greater vehicle for the advancement of science than the projectors of the Union ever dreamt of, inasmuch as members would no doubt adopt what was insisted upon in the President’s paper, and become actual workers in the cause of science. There was another object which he had no doubt would be achieved by the Union, namely the encourage- ment of native talent. Men who had hitherto not had the opportunities would endeavour to make them, and being encouraged by those around Vv 178 ANNUAL MEETING—GENERAL BUSINESS. them would really begin work in some department of Natural History, and keep to it. These men when once interested would be untiring students. He concluded an admirable speech by proposing a vote of thanks to the President for his address. Major Barnarp seconded the motion. The part of the address which elicited his warmest sympathies was that in which the President — spoke of the duties of Naturalists and how they should endeavour to spread the knowledge of Natural History in general. He was of opinion that the Midland Union of Naturalists would become, in a few years, a Society of considerable influence in the country at large. He hoped one object would be kept in view by the members of the Union, namely, that of promoting the study of Natural History in our schools. No doubt a great many efforts were being made in that direction at the present time, but still a little gentle pressure would, he was sure, be productive of good. It was true that a great many schools professed to teach Natural Science, but when they came to look into the matter they found, somehow or other, that the teaching of Natural History occupied only a very small corner. Indeed, he had found, from enquiries he had , made, that one lesson a week was the maximum. He thought, there- ‘fore, it might be a legitimate thing for the members to do, and he felt assured so large a number of members, with such an amount of influence as they possessed, would, if they brought that influence to bear, be able to achieve great results in that direction. The motion was put and carried unanimously, and briefly acknow- ledged by the CHarrman.: The report of the Council was then read by Mr. W. J. Harrison. After detailing the history of the formation of the Union, (see pages 1 to 4 ‘ Midland Naturalist,”) it went on to speak of the journal of the Union—the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist”—and expressed the opinion that it had already fully realised the expectations of the Council, and urged all members who are not at present subscribers to become so at-once. The report then proceeded as follows :-— “The Societies constituting the Union are— The Birmingham Natural History and Microscopical Society. The Birmingham Philosophical Society. The Birmingham and Midland Institute Scientific Society. The Birmingham School Natural History Society. The Burton-on-Trent Natural History and Archeological Society. The Caradoc Field Club. The Cheltenham Natural Science Society. The Derbyshire Naturalists’ Societiy. The Dudley and Midland Geological and Scientific Society and Field Club. The Evesham Field Naturalists’ Club. The Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society. The Northampton Naturalists’ Society. The Nottingham Literary and Philosophical Society. The Nottingham Naturalists’ Society. The Rugby School Natural History Society. The Oswestry and Welshpool Naturalists’ Field Club. The Severn Valley Naturalists’ Field Club. The Shropshire Archeological and Natural History Society. The Stroud Natural History and Philosophical Society. The Tamworth Natural History, Geological, and Antiquarian Society, and The Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club. ANNUAL MEETING—GENERAL BUSINESS. 179 *‘ Your Council hope other local Societies will join the Union, and have reason to think that several contemplate doing so.* “The objects of the Union may be broadly stated to be to extend the usefulness of Local Societies by affording facilities for inter-communica- tion through an authorised and regularly published magazine, which records the more important work done by them; announces their forth- coming meetings and excursions ; and assist in the interchange of notes and specimens ; and, by providing opportunities for personal intercourse among the members at meetings to be held from time to time in various places of interest, and in other ways, to promote the study of Natural History, and other scientific subjects. “Your Council desire to record their warm appreciation of the hearty efforts which the Birmingham and Dudley Societies have made to ensure the first meeting of the Union being successful and interesting. The Conversazione which will take place in the Town Hall this evening will give members of distant societies some idea of the scientific and other resources of local members and will afford an excellent opportunity for social and intellectual intercourse. The excursion to Dudley and neighbourhood to-morrow will supply an admirable opportunity for the study of some of the geological features of a most interesting and important district, while the archeological members will find much to occupy their attention. Your Council feel that the thanks of the members are due and are assured that they will be warmly tendered to the gentlemen who have with admirable foresight, much labour, and expense made these arrangements for their edification and instruction. “Your Council recommend that they be empowered to appoint a small Committee of Management to transact the general business of the Union. They also submit bye-laws for your consideration. “The present subscription of one penny per member is deemed by your Council as quite inadequate to enable the Union to engage in any real work, and they desire to have your opinion as to whether it should not be increased, and if so to what amount. “Tt now only remains for your Council to state that it recommends this meeting to select Leicester for the next annual gathering of the Union, and to express the hope that this association of societies may be increasingly instrumental in fostering the study of Natural History and allied sciences.” The PresmEent moved the adoption of the report. He strongly recommended the meeting to adopt the suggestion of the Council, and empower them to select as a Committee of Management ten members of the Council and the editors of the ‘‘ Midland Naturalist,” ex oficio. As to the amount subscribed by each member annually he for his part could not think what induced the promoters of the Union to fix the sum so low. The subscription would only pay the postage of two circulars to each of the members. He recommended the meeting to pass some resolution fixing the subscription at a reasonable amount. His own idea was one shilling per annum per member if the societies of the Union meant to do real work. The motion was seconded by the Rev. W. H. Exxor, and carried. The Presment then moved that the Council be empowered to appoint a Sub-committee of Management to conduct the business of the nion. Mr. Lawson Tart seconded the motion, which was carried. * “The Peterborough Natural History and Scientific Society” has since joined the Union. 180 ANNUAL MEETING—GENERAL BUSINESS. The Present next moved, thatit be a recommendation of this meeting to each individual Society, that the subscription to the Union be raised to one shilling. He said he was unable to say what work the Yorkshire Union had done, when its members only contributed a subscription of one penny per annum. Such a subscription appeared to him to be ridiculously small and inadequate.* The motion was not seconded ; but an animated discussion ensued, in which Mr. ©. J. Woopwarp, Mr. Lawson Tart, the Rev. C. F. THORNEWILL, Mr. G. H. Twiae, the Rev. W. H. Exnior, Mr. E. Hoxnrmr, and others took part. It was ultimately resolved on the motion of the Presment, seconded by Mr. G. H. Twiae, ‘‘ That it be a recommenda- tion from this meeting that the annual subscription be raised, and that honorary secretaries be requested to report to a future meeting of the Union the opinion of their societies upon the subject.” The Treasurer’s report was then read by Mr. Enwarp W. Bapeur, (in the unavoidable absence of Mr. E. D. Hamel.) It showed that the total receipts for the year, contributed by twenty-one societies, consisting of 2,683 members, were £11. 4s. 10d. The report was adopted. Mr. Lawson Tair read the following BYE-LAWS. 1.—That the Annual Meeting of the Mid!and Union of Natural History Societies shall be held, from time to time, in the towns in which the various Societies of the Union are located; that the President of the Society in connection with which the Annual Meeting shall be held, shall be the President of the Union for the year, and, ex officio, a member of the Council; and that where more than one Society in the same town is in the Union, the question of the Presidency shall be determined by those Societies. 2.—That the Annual Meetings of the Union shall be held in May, and that all the arrangements for the same shall be made by the Society or Societies of the town in which it is to be held. * This is a subject of so much importance, that we gladly print a cirenlar which the Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union have issued on the work to be done, and the necessity for an increased subseription :— “THE YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS’ UNIOoN.—The Secretaries have been directed by the Council to call your attention to the desirability of a sufficient income being at once raised to enable the Union to commence the publication of reports and papers upon the Natural History of the county, as well as to defray the necessary expenses connected with the meetings. “Tt is intended to issue the following papers, &c., which are now in preparation, as soon as the requisite funds have been raised— “1, A history of the West Riding Consolidated Naturalists’ Society, from 1861 to 1876 inclusive. : “2. Amap of Yorkshire, showing the districts, based upon the river-drainage system, into which the county will be divided, for the purpose of investigating the fanna and flora. This map will be accom- panied by an explanatory paper, describing in words the boundaries of the various districts. “3, The reports and proceedings of the Union and of its Sections, together with such papers and catalogues as may be considered of sufficient value by the Council. “Tt is perfectly obvious that the contributions paid by the affiliated Societies, of 1d. per member per annum, are quite inadequate for this purpose, and yon will see that the total income required, more especially for the first year, when the map is to be published, is very considerable. The Council consequently haye confidence in inviting you to contribute to the extent of your ability and inclination; and while large amounts are sought from all those who are able to give them, they wish it to be wnderstood that small amounts are likewise acceptable. Among the sums already given are such amounts as Two Shillings, Half-a-Crown, Five Shillings, Half-a-Guinea, One Guinea, and Two Guineas. Subscribers of 2s. 6d. and upwards will be entitled to receive the publications of the Union. “The Council trust that the response to this appeal may be such as to justify them in ordering the early publication of the map and reports.”—[Eps. M. N.J Se, dee h2 a , ANNUAL MEETING—GENERAL BUSINESS. 181 3.—That the Seoretaries of the Council, and any other two members of the Council may summon a Special Meeting of the Council, and that the Secretaries shall summon a Special Meeting of the Council onthe requisition of any five members. 4.—That the Council shall hold an Ordinary Meeting at the commencement of and another at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the Union. 5.—That the Secretaries and Treasurer shall present reports at the first of these meetings. 6.—That the time and place of the next Annual Meeting shall be decided by the Council at the first of their ordinary meetings. 7.—That the President of the Union shall be for the time the President of the Council; and that there shall be two Secretaries and a Treasurer elected annually. The Bye-laws were adopted. Mr. Edward W. Badger and Mr. W. J. Harrison were re-elected Honorary Secretaries, and Mr. Egbert D. Hamel Honorary Treasurer. On the motion of the PresmpEent, seconded by Mr. W. R. Hucues, it was resolved that the next annual meeting of the Union be held at Leicester. The Present having stated that a suggestion had been made that a joint excursion should be made to Castleton, next invited remarks from any of the members who desired to point out how the Union might be rendered most useful. Mr. Harrison said it seemed to him the best thing to do was to place before themselves several definite objects. The only branch of science in which he was specially interested was that of Geology, and on that subject those members who took an interest in it, although they lived apart, could co-operate with each other. The subject of the glacial deposits was one which he thought might most advantageously be considered by the members of the Union. He moved the following resolution :—‘ That the subject of the glacial drift-deposits be referred to the Council as one well adapted for conjoint observation by the Societies in the Union.” Mr. Tarr having seconded the motion, it was carried. The Rey. C. F. ToornEewit said he felt they ought not to separate without passing a hearty vote of thanks to the Birmingham and Dudley Societies for the excellent arrangements they had made for the instruction and enjoyment of members. It had been said that he was a bold man who first ate an oyster, and certainly it was a bold step to take to start the Union, and also to bring members together for a couple of days enjoyment and instruction. . Major Barnarp seconded the motion, which was unanimously carried. A vote of thanks to the President for his courteous conduct in the chair terminated the proceedings. THE CONVERSAZIONE. When it became known that the Midland Union of Natural History Socleties would hold its First Annual Meeting at Birmingham, the local societies set vigorously to work to provide a hearty welcome for their visitors. The result was a most enjoyable conversazione, which was held in the Town Hall, on Monday evening, May 27, from 7 30 to 10 30, and attracted 700 visitors. Though we hopeto afford some idea of the nature and variety of the exhibits brought together on that occasion, ees coaky 182 THE CONVERSAZIONE. they were so numerous as to preclude the attempt to do more than briefly mention the more important items. The Microscopical display was unusually large and interesting. There were some seventy microscopes in use, including some kindly lent by Mr. T. W. Watson, Mr. E. Wheeler, and Mr. EF’. Enock, of London, and they were so excellently disposed at such convenient distances that all were easily accessible by the many visitors. Commencing with the living objects illustrating Pond Life we have to enumerate the following :—Freshwater Polyzoa—Alcyonella fungosa, Fredericella sul- tana, and Paludicella Ehrenbergii ; Melicertaringens, (the building rotifer,) and Epistylis natans, exhibited by Mr. Thos. Bolton; Lophopus crystallinus, by Rey. Dr. Deane ; Conochilus volvox, and Actinospherium sol, by Mr. T. J. Slatter; Hydatina senta, one of the largest of the British rotifers, by Mr. H. E. Forrest; and Hydra vulgaris and Hydra viridis, showing the reproduction by budding, by Mr. J. Levick.—Then there were among many mounted objects Anguinaria spatulata, (Snake’s head Coralline,) and section of Pearl, exhibited by Mr. W. H. Pearson ; Plumularia setacea, with tentacles expanded, Membranipora pilosa, and Alcyonidium hirsutum, with tentacles expanded, by Mr. A. W. Wills; larval forms of Crab, and Sertularia with tentacles expanded, by Mr. W. Graham; Star-fishes and Sea-urchins, (illustrations of structure, young Oysters, and Entozoa, illustrating the Trematoda, Cestoda, an Nematoda, by Mr. W. R. Hughes; spines of Hchinus, by Rev. Dr. Deane; Dog’s Tongue,—section showing the glands and _ villi, Dog’s Foot-pad,—section showing arterial vascularity, and Human Intestine,—section showing villi injected, by Mr. F. W. Spiller; Palate of Cuttle-fish, by Mr. C. Pumphrey. Mr. F. Enock, of London, (an old member of the Birmingham Natural History Society,) showed a number of insects, mounted whole, without pressure, by an entirely new process, which has taken Mr. Enock some years to bring to perfection. These insects retain all their natural form; some show their internal muscular structure; in these can be seen every minute muscle, and the purpose for which it is intended can be clearly traced out; others, such as tongues of various insects, are prepared so as to retain all the natural form, colour, and characteristic markings without any distortion whatever, thus rendering the preparations of the utmost value to the student. We may specially mention Stylops Spencii, arasite of the wild Bee; Polynema ovulorum, the Fairy fly, (its larva is orn andmatured within the egg of the Cabbage butterfly ;) Atypus Sulzeri, English trap-door spider. Stylops Spencii, in the act of emerging from body of wild bee, was also exhibited by Mr. J. Potts. Mr. Edmund Tonks exhibited Spinnerets of Spider. Mr. E. Wheeler, of London, exhibited 1,000 microscopic objects, (no two alike,) representing every de- partment of microscopy. His elaborate groups of Diatoms, Foraminifera from ‘‘ Challenger ” dredgings, Polariscope objects, Méller’s Typen-platten, Webb’s Micro-engravings, anatomical specimens, opaque objects Geologi- cal objects, and the Colorado Beetle, proved most attractive. We come now to illustrations of Vegetable Life. Of Freshwater Alge there were Spirogyra nitida, Mesocarpus scalaris, Zygnema lutescens, and Staurocarpus gracilis, showing formation of spores by conjugation ; Batrachospermum alpestre and vagum, and Draparnaldia plumosa, all exhibited by Mr. A. W. Wills; Volvox globator, (living specimens showing the rotation,) by Mr. Levick and Dr. W. Hinds; spores of Equisetum, showing the contraction of elastic filaments by moisture and their expansion on drying, by Mr. W. B. Grove. Protonema of moss, showing germination of spore; section of Mnium subglobosum, showing male and female flowers of moss; Peristomes of mosses; sections of leaves of holly, grass, and fern; THE CONVERSAZIONE. 183 capsules and perichxtial leaves of moss, Cryphee heteromalla, by Mr. J. E. Bagnall. Sections of stems and leaves of plants, differentially stained to show the structure, by Mr. W. Teasdale. Section of potato, with starch grains in situ, polarised; compound spiral vessels from rhubarb, polarised; group of fern scales, Nothochlena levis, polarised, by Dr. Deane ; and Chara, showing the spurious circulation, by Mr. T. J. Slatter. Mr. J. HE. Bagnall contributed a complete collection of the grasses and sedges of Warwickshire, (dried specimens;) Dr. W. Hinds a collection of the British poisonous plants, (dried specimens;) Mr.J. Morley a collection of nearly all the species of British ferns, (living plants ;) and Mr. E. Wheeler a most instructive series of microscopical preparations, illustrating the histology and reproduction of plants. The Conchological display made by Mr. G. Sherriff Tye was of marked interest, and consisted of part of his collection of British Shells, which numbers many thousand specimens. The series included fine selected examples of nearly all the land and freshwater shells hitherto found in the neighbourhood of Birmingham, viz., about eighty species and fifty varieties; also many very local and some rare _ shells. Among the former may be mentioned Spherium corneum, var. flavescens ; 5. lacustre, var. Ryckholtii ; Anodonta cygnea, var. pallida; A. anatina, var. complanata; Planorbis lineatus; P.dilatatus; Limnea peregra, var. lacustris; L. peregra, var. maritima, &c., &e. Among the rare shells were albinos of the following species:—Anodonta anatina, Bythinia tentaculata, Limnea peregra, L. palustris, L. trunculata, Helix sericea, H. virgata, H. Pisana, Pupa secale, Clansilia rugosa, and others. The rare Vertigo Moulinsiana, Helix obvoluta, Succinea oblonga, Limnea glutinosa, and Limnza involuta were noticeable species. We might specify many rare or uncommon forms in the marine portion, but want of space forbids it; we will only add that the collection was characterised by neatness and clearness of arrangement, and is the result of years of labour. Dr. Schwarz also exhibited shells from Celebes and Ceylon. Mr. W. H. Pearson exhibited Japanese and Chinese Silk- worm Moths with Cocoons ; while cases of insects collected in Brazil, com- prising moths, butterflies, and beetles, showing the brilliant colouring characteristic of tropical insects, were exhibited by Mr. 8. Allport. The Geological exhibits were very numerous and interesting. There were sections showing junction of Igneous and Sedimentary Rock, and section from Bone Bed of Rhextic age in South Wales, exhibited by Dr. Deane ; Pitchstone from Arran showing plumose crystals arranged in lines forming contorted weather markings, by Mr. C. Pumphrey; sections of Volcanic Rocks, illustrating their microscopic structure, by Mr. S. Allport; Fossil Animal Life: Eozoon Canadense, the earliest known form of animal life, specimens showing the canal system and tubular wall of the chambers, and decalcified specimens showing serpentine casts of the canals, by Rey. H. W. Crosskey; Trilobites from Wenlock shale and limestone, Dudley, by Mr. E. Hollier; Crag Fossils and Devonian Fossils, by Mr. W. Graham ; Pleistocene Animals from Cresswell Crags, by Mr. T. Heath; Chalk and Lias Fossils, by Mr. H. A. Vincent; Agates, Jaspers, Porphyries, &c., collected from the Drift, near Redditch, by Mr. W. T. Heming; and a very extensive collection of specimens, illus- trative of the Glacial epoch, by the Rev. H. W. Crosskey. This collection must be referred to at some length. It illustrated both the physical action of ice and the changes of fauna connected with the epoch. The illustrations of the physical action of ice comprised (1) a specimen of encrinital limestone taken from beneath a mass of boulder clay. The stems of encrinites were shown, cut into sections and polished by ice action. (2) Ice-marked boulders, covered with balani, showing that they had been dropped by icebergs into the sea. (3) A Nt ul 184 THE CONVERSAZIONE. large collection of boulders of North British and Welsh rocks, found in the midland counties, and brought from considerable distances by the icebergs that drifted over the Midland sea. The extensive collection of the fauna exhibited might be divided into three groups:—(a) Specimens of the fauna of the extreme Glacial Epoch, from Scotland, Norway, and Canada, including Leda arctica, Pecten aratus, Pecten islandious, Panopea Norvegicze, Astarte borealis, Velutina levigata, Trophon clathratus, Littorina limata, and very many extremely rare Arctic species. A mass of the northern coral, Lophohelia prolifera, was also exhibited, taken from a glacial bed in the Christiania Fjord. (8) Speci- mens of the fauna that immediately succeeded that of the Glacial Epoch, showing the coming of milder climatic conditions, both in Britain and in Norway. (c) Specimens of the fauna of the most modern raised sea beaches. Any one who carefully examined the numerous and very interesting specimens contained in these three great groups of beds could readily trace the physical and climatic changes of the epoch. The Biological specimens were numerous and very fine. Mr. D. W. Crompton exhibited a complete collection of British Hawks, (excepting the Jer-falcon, now supposed extinct in Great Britain;) foreign pheasants, including Gold and Silver Pheasants, East Indian ; Lyre Bird, Australian ; Lady Amherst Pheasant, having remarkable long tail; Peacock Pheasant of Thibet, having two embossed eyes on each feather of tail; Impeyan Pheasant, from Himalayan Mountains, fine colouring and metallic lustre ; Searletand White Ibises of South America; Sacred Ibis of Egypt ; Glossy This of Europe ; Egret, from South America, very delicate white feathers in two plumes from shoulder. Mr. Montagu Browne, Naturalist, Bir- mingham, made a magnificent display with an extensive collection of Animals, Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, Insects, &c., including the following :— Animals.—Badger, (Meles Taxus, L.,) from Northampton; Otter, (Lutra Vulgaris.) with young, from Ireland; Wild Cat, (Felis Catus,) from Scotland; Ermine, (Mustela Erminea, L., from Sutton Park; Mole, (Talpa Europea.) with cream-coloured variety of same, from King’s Norton; Fox, (Canis Vulpes,) and young, from Scotland; pair of Duck-billed Platypus, (Platypus Anatus,) from Gipp’s Land, Australia. Birds.—Pair of Imperial Eagles, (Aquila Adalberti,) from Spain ; pair of Peregrine Falcons, (Falco peregrinus, Briss,) Scotland; pair of Snowy Owls, (Surnia nycctea, L.,) Labrador; Eagle Owl, (Bubo ignayus, Forst,) Archangel; pair of Little Owls, (Athene noctua, Retz,) Spain ; pair of Bee-eaters, (Merops apiaster, L.,) Spain; Great Grey Shrike, Lanius excubitor, L.,) Wylde Green; pair of Long-tailed Tits, (Acredula rosea, Blyth,) with nest, Lichfield ; pair of Pintail Sand Grouse, (Pterocles alchata, L.,) from Spain ; pair of Willow Grouse, (Lagopus albus, Gm..,) Norway ; pair of Greek Partridge, (Caccabis Greeca, or Chucar ?) Cyprus ; pair of Bufi-backed Herons, (Bulbulcus ibis, Hasselq,) Spain; Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius, L.,) Hampshire ; common Swan (Cygnus olor, Gm..,) District ; common Sheldrake (Tadorna cornuta, Gm. ;) Pintail Duck (Dafila acuta, L.;) Teal (Querquedula crecea, L.) ; Eider Duck (Somateria mollis- sima, L.;) pair of Puffins, (Mormon Arctica, L.,) Wales ; little Auk, (Mergulus alle, L.,) Handsworth; Pomarine Skua, (Stercorarius Pomarinus, Temm.,) from Lichfield Racecourse; pair of Arctic Tern (Sterna Hirundo, L.,) from District, and many others; three ornamental mounts, illustrating Birds of Australia, South America, and the Malayan Peninsula, respectively; some of the latter very rare. Eggs.—Cetti’s Warbler with nest, (Potamodus Cetti, Marm. ;) Griffon ’ Vulture (Gyps fulvus, Gm.;) Osprey, (Pandion halistus, L., and other rare ones. Fish. — Pike, (Esox lucius, L.,) weight 20lbs., from Sutton. Reptiles—Gangetic Crocodile, (Gavialis Gangeticus,) 12ft. long, from India. Insects.—The whole of the British Butterflies in one THE CONVERSAZIONE. 185 mount; the whole of the British Hawk-moths, including the very rare Sesia Andreniformis, in one ornamental mount; various rare exotic insects. Skulls and horns of Tiger, various Deer, &., &c. Other exhibits in this department were:—Long-eared Owls, living specimens, by Mr. C. E. B. Hewitt; Pike, 282lbs. and 203lbs., from Langorse Lake, Wales, and Barbel, 84lbs., from Thames, by Mr. Adams Parker; Pike, 342lbs., from Langorse Lake, Wales, and Goosanders, Male and Female, from lLangorse Lake, Wales, by Mr. G. R. Hill; Pike from Earl’s Wood Pool, by Mr. John Allday; a fine specimen of Deer’s Head, (mounted,) by Mr. Henry Griffiths, jun.; Articulated Human Skull, a remarkably fine specimen, by Mr. W. R. Hughes. Mr. A. Franklin, Taxidermist, Birmingham, showed a collection of Birds, including Argus Pheasants from India, Capercailzies from Scotland, Heron in fine adult plumage, blue and yellow Macaw, sooty and snowy Owls, Swallow- tailed Kite, white Robin, and cream-coloured Sparrow, a large collec- tion of British Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, and eggs, cocoon, and living specimens of Bombyx Pernii. General Science was represented by the Phonograph, Telephones, and Microphone, exhibited in operation by Mr. Lawson Tait; a Microphone (new construction) and various optical and scientific apparatus, by Mr, W. J. Lancaster; microscopic mounting and collecting appaiatus, and various scientific instruments, by R. Bailey; Chance’s Compound Glass Lenses for the electric light for forts and ships of war, for defence against torpedo boats at night and other purposes in war, by Mr. J. Kenward; a working Model, illustrating the rigidity of the positions assumed by an endless chain suspended from a pulley and put into rapid motion, by Dr. Hopkinson; Geometric Pen, consisting of an arrange- ment of wheels and levers producing a combination of the compound pendulum curves with straight lines and circles or spirals, giving an infinite series of harmonic curves, by Mr. C. Pumphrey ; and a series of interesting scientific experiments were exhibited by members of the Birmingham and Midland Institute Scientific Society, and comprised Diffusion Figures, Vortex Rings, Terrest'al Magnetism Experiment, Arago’s Disc, Weld’s Sound Experiment and Chladni’s Figures, Syren and Galton’s Whistle, Nérremberg’s Polariscope, Spectroscope, Determina- tion of Oxygen in Air, Reciprocal Combustion, &c. Art and Archeology furnished much that was attractive and inter- esting. Mr. Allen E. Everitt contributed from the riches of his portfolios fifty of his charming drawings, chiefly illustrative of ‘‘Old Warwickshire.” Thus he showed sketches of Birmingham :—Old Houses, Deritend ; Digbeth Tripe House, Town Hall and Ann Street, Dog and Duck, Holloway Head; Aston: Great Staircase of the Hall, the Gallery ditto, Monuments inside of Church, ditto S. side of ditto, Holte Monu- ments N. aisle, Church from §.E.; Castle Bromwich: Hall from 8.W.; Chimney Piece at Sheldon Hall ; High Street, Solihull ; East End of N. Aisle Solihull Church; Berry Hall, two views; Maxtoke Priory: The Gatehouse, Central Tower of Church; Little Packington: Church from N.W.; Berkswell: Church from 8.E., Interior (under repair,) South Porch ; Coombe Abbey: Queen Elizabeth’s Room, Entrance to Chapter House ; Stratford-upon-Avon: Chancel (two views,) Interior of Shakespeare’s Kitchen; Wixford Church, Interior; Quadrangle, Coughton Court; Old Cottages at Haselour; Old Cottages at Tiddington ; Interior of Coughton Church; Interior of Curdworth Church, Old House in Village; Water Orton: The Bridge, Old House near ditto; Hoggerell’s End, an Old Farm House; Kingsbury Church from §.E.; Sutton Coldfield: Old Cottage in ruins and Yew Tree; Interior of Baddesley Clinton Hall; Temple Balsall: Church from S.W., Interior of Old Hall; Rowington: Village and Church, Shakspeare House; Entrance Hall, Tamworth Castle; Old Stalls, Astley Church ; The Old Hall, Packington ; Interior 186 THE CONVERSAZIONE. of Baddesley Clinton Church; Iron Gates in Garden, Packwood; Tower of Edgbaston Church. Mr. J. R. Holliday exhibited Photographs, selected from a large number which have been taken during the last three years, of Warwickshire Churches, and Old Houses in the Midland Counties, principally Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire. The two last-named counties furnished several specimens of the very interesting class of houses built in the seventeenth century, of stone and timber. The photographs of these, exhibited at the Conversazione, were taken at Laverton and Child’s Wickham ; and there were some of a fourteen century house at Broadway. The Laverton and Child’s Wickham houses are being rapidly improved off the face of the earth, and several have entirely disappeared since Mr. Holliday photographed them, their places being supplied by hideous modern erections. The Warwickshire houses, of which there were photographs exhibited, were mostly of the sixteenth century, and comprised a very interesting example from Knowle, and Goscot Hall, near Redditch. Of Churches, there were photographs of Hampton-in-Arden, Brailes, Packwood, Curdworth, Wotton Wawen, Wappenbury, Lapworth, Whitchurch, and others. There were also the Nature series of Portraits of Scientific Worthies, exhibited by Mr. W. R. Hughes; a set of tinted etchings from old Dutch paintings, by Mr. W. P. Marshall; photographs of Pumping Engine Stations of the Birmingham Corporation Waterworks, by Mr. R. M. Lloyd; old engraved copper-plates, by Mr. C. T. Parsons; Greek and Roman remains from Fayoum, Egypt, by Mr. J. Courtenay Lord ; Roman Pottery, from Leicester, by Mr. W. J. Harrison; Stone Hatchets and Indian Pottery from the Cordilleras, Central America, by Dr. Schwarz; and Rubbings from Ancient Brass and Stone Cross, and Flint Implements, by Mr. Lawson Tait. Of other exhibits which contributed to the interest of the Conversa- zione we can onlyspecify Mr. A. Pumphrey’s ingenious method for pro- ducing in exact fac-simile an unlimited number of copies of pen and ink drawings, &c., (see ‘‘ Midland Naturalist,” p. 132,) which was exhibited in operation all through the evening; another, but quite different process, exhibited by Mr. J. Pumphrey, for easily and rapidly producing a number of copies of letters and other manuscripts, written with the exhibitor’s special ‘‘ aniline ink ;” Diving Apparatus and Dress used in submarine operations and flooded mines, &c., exhibited by Mr. J. Place; and a steady and useful revolving table for microscopical work, with slate top and substantial iron stand, exhibited by Mr. T. Bolton. In concluding this account of a most pleasant and instructive exhi- bition, we must not omit to state that the success of the Conversazione was mainly due to the excellent arrangements made by Mr. W. P. Marshall, (who undertook the general manuagement,) and Messrs. J. Morley and C. Pumphrey, Rev. H. W. Crosskey, Messrs. W. B. Grove, J. Levick, and others. EXCURSION TO DUDLEY. On the following day, Tuesday, May 28th, Members of the Union and their friends, to the number of nearly 400, made an excursion to Dudley and the neighbourhood, under the auspices of the Dudley and Midland Geological and Scientific Society and Field Club, representatives of which received the party at the Tipton Station of the Great Western Railway, and conducted them in the first instance to the Open Coal Work at Foxyards, where the Ten-yard Coal Seam exposes its point of outcrop on the east side of the obtruding ridges of the Dudley Castle Hill and the Wren’s Nest. Mr. Thomas Latham, the Earl of Dudley’s Mine Agent, gave interesting information as to the mode of getting the coal, and under his direction a fall of coal was displayed. The EXCURSION TO DUDLEY. 187 excursionists, who were joined by a numerous body of the general public, next proceeded to the Wren’s Nest Hill, which is pictu- resquely situated on the north side of Dudley, is remarkable in its formation, which is that of an elevated elliptical dome, for the extent of the mining operations in the Limestone strata and for the wild and rugged beauty of some of its scenery. The inspection of the “Daylight Caverns” afforded much pleasure. The party next passed through the private grounds of EH. Fisher Smith, Esq., and thence to the Priory Ruins. The Priory was founded in the middle of the twelfth century by Gervase Paganel. A description of the ruins was given by Mr. Rupert Smith, C.E. The celebrated silurian caverns, which were illuminated, were next visited. Passing shady dells and sylvan hills, the company afterwards reached the ancient Court Yard of Dudley Castle. After Luncheon came the crowning event of the day—the descent by more than 400 persons, including many ladies, of the famous Lye Cross Coal Pit, at Rowley, which wes superintended by Mr. Latham. This pit is remarkable as being the first sunk through the Basalt, or Rowley Rag. Where the pit was commenced the thickness of the basalt was unknown ; it proved to be no more than 68 yards, when the rock binds of the coal measures were reached. At168 yards the Two-foot and Brooch coals were met with, and at 228 yards the Thick coal was cut into. The pit is 2584 yards deep. The gate roads are very wide, high and dry. Mr. Rupert Smith and Mr. Thos. Latham and his son did all in their power to interest and instruct their many visitors, and they certainly succeeded to admiration. The warmest thanks of the members of the Union are due to them for their kindly courtesy, and for the trouble they took. The excursion was made by special permission of E. Fisher Smith, Esq., on behalf of the Right Hon. the Earl of Dudley. The arrangements of the day were carried out by Mr. Marten, Mr. Hollier, and others connected with the Dudley Geological Society. THE MICROPHONE, MAGNOPHONE, PHONOSCOPE, AND PHONEIDOSCOPE. BY W. J. LANCASTER, F.C.S., F.R.A.S. Having exhibited a Microphone of my own construction, and noticed with much pleasure the great amount of interest displayed by the visitors to the conversazione of the Union of Scientific Societies in our _ Town Hall, I have thought a short description of the Microphone, * together with a description of its associated scientific instruments lately discovered, would not be out of place in “‘ The Midland Naturalist.” The Microphone, as discovered by Professor Hughes, consists essentially of several pieces of charcoal, connected in circuit with a few cells and a telephone, a simple form being made by having two plates of gas carbon glued to a thin piece of wood and being about 1}in. apart, anda cylindrical piece of gas carbon, jin. diameter, sufficiently long to fit loosely in an indentation in lower part of top carbon plate, and in the upper part of bottom plate, the ends of the rod being tapered to a point; the thin board containing this Microphcne may be glued to the end of a stronger piece of board, so that the rod is in a vertical position ; by connecting the upper and lower plates in the circuit from two screws, sounds are immensely amplified. A form of Microphone which serves equally well for the detection of minute sounds as for the transmission of speech is the Pile Microphone, which I refer to above. This instrument consists 188 THE MICROPHONE, ETC. of a polished box, about 5in. by 4in. by lin., without a bottom board, on the top of this a plate of zinc, 4in. by 24in., is screwed, this forming the bottom element ; then above this is a plate of carbon of equal dimen- sions. To one end of this plate an upright turned piece of wood, lin. long, is either screwed or glued, and on the top of this a second plate of carbon, 2in. by 1}in., is screwed. This plate has a binding screw connected with it, and is connected to the lower plate by means of a thin rod of carbon, 1}in. long, pointed at the bottom end. Having the instrument finished, all that is necessary is to moisten a pad of blotting paper with a solution of sulphuric acid and bichromate of potash, in the proportion of one each acid and bichromate and ten of water. Place the pad between the carbon and zinc plates, and the instrument will detect the most minute sounds. For minute sounds the carbon rod should be nearly upright, and for speech should be inclined as much as possible. The Telephone is to be used in cireuit, but this may be dispensed with by using a few electro- magnets, made of tin. iron and bent into the form of a triangle, so that the poles will nearly touch each other. Four of such magnets make a very good receiver. Mr. Blyth has obtained a receiver consisting merely of a box of cinders, with a plate of tin at each end; but although I have repeated his experiments I have failed to obtain favourable results. A simple form of receiver will be obtained in a few weeks, and will at once supersede the Telephone. The Magnophone is an addition to the Telephone, by W. L. Scott, and consists in the application of small particles of iron on the back of an ordinary Telephone plate, (the plate itself being in the circuit from a series of Daniell’s or other cells,) and in the use, as transmitters, of the particles of either iron, silver, gold, or platinum in a state of minute sub- division, or if pieces of asbestos, pumice, or other bodies be saturated with (e. g.) mercury, these phonophoric tablets may be placed in the circuit with pointed ends touching each other, and willthen transmit sounds in a similar manner to the Microphone. In fact, the Magnophone resembles the Microphone in so many details that it ought rather to be called a Microphone. The Phonoscope is a very beautiful adaptation to an induction coil and rotating vacuum tube. This may be done in the following manner :—At the end of a conical tube a thin membrane is stretched, and behind it a thin plate of platinum, about one-eighth of an inch wide, is attached in a bowed form ; immediately behind this strip of platinum a third point of platinum is fixed into a brass spring. The instrument is asimple form of contact breaker, and contact is made by speaking into the conical tube. Supposing now the tube to be revolving, and the two terminals from secondary of induction coil to be connected to the two pieces of platinum, it is evident that by speaking into the conical tube contact is made and broken in proportion to the period of vibration of the stretched membrane, and the tube will be illuminated when contact is made, and will thus reveal the peculiar condensations, &e., of a sonorous wave. This simple though beautiful adaptation to the induction coil was exhibited by Mr. H. Edmonds, jun., at the conver- sazione of the Institution of Civil Engineers. The Phoneidoscope is simply a tube bent at right angles, and having an orifice, which may be of any form, covered with a thin film of soap. The film should appear coloured, and then, by speaking into the tube, or sounding a tuning fork, the colours arrange themselves in a manner very similar to the sand in Chladni’s figures. The experiment is an instructive one. 190 FRESHWATER ALG. Conjugation, as the term implies, consists of the yoking together of two contiguous filarments which, by some mysterious means, approach one another and assume a position of strict parallelism. Projections are then thrown out between opposite pairs of cells, and gradually increase till they finally meet and form connecting tubes. At the same time the endochrome loses its spiral arrangement, and becomes an irregular, con- fused mass. [Plate III., Fig. 14.] It then passes, as in Zygnema [Plate II1., Fig. 12) and Spirogyra, [Figs. 13, 14,] into the opposite cell and there, mingling with the contents of the latter, forms a round or oval spore with distinct cellulose coating; or, as in Mesocarpus [Fig. 15] and Staurocarpus, [Fig. 16,] meets the contents of the opposite cell, which move forward to join it, in the connecting tube, and there forms a spherical or cruciate spore. A curious modification of this process occurs in some species of Spirogyra, where the spores are formed not from the contents of two opposite cells of different filaments, but by the union of those two contiguous cells of the same filament, the mingling of which is effected through a little tube bridging over, as it were, the septum between them. [Plate III., Figs.17 and 18.} It is asserted by some writers that this phenomenon is abnormal, and occurs in species which usually conjugate in the ordinary way; but the writer has only once seen the two processes occurring simultaneously in the same plant, and has always observed this form of conjugation in specimens the proportions of which stamp them as distinct species. The most striking point about the operation just described is the assumption by the contents of the cells of different plants, or by those of special cells in the same individual, of the opposite properties upon which depend respectively the powers of imparting and receiving fertilisation, although the most careful scrutiny under the highest powers of the microscope fails to reveal the least difference in their condition. It has been stated that this polarisation, as it may fitly be termed, in the ordi- nary form of conjugation, is capricious, the cells of the two filaments assuming indiscriminately these converse functions, but in the many hundreds of specimens which we have examined and mounted, we only remember finding one exception to the rule that all the cells of one conjugating filament assume ‘“‘ male” and those of the other ‘‘ female” sexual functions; this exception occurred in the specimen already referred to, in which conjugation of contiguous cells of the same individual also took place, and in this case the spores formed in one filament were large, while those in the other and alongside of the cells which had discharged their contents were much smaller, and apparently imperfectly developed. It now remains to answer the two last questions which we proposed in the outset, viz.:—How are the Algw best collected? and how should observations on their structure, &c., be recorded ? The larger filamentous Alge are best brought home in small glass tubes of thick glass well annealed. A compact form of collecting apparatus consists of a number of Ss FRESHWATER ALG. 191 pieces of strong glass a couple of inches square, to each of which is cemented with gold size or marine glue an indiarubber ring about one- eighth of an inch thick. These, when piled on one another, and held together by indiarubber rings, take up but little space. Lastly, for these coarser plants nothing answers much better than to screw them up in bits of strong paper and bring them home in a wide-mouthed bottle, tin box, or even loose in the pocket. A specimen need, at any rate, never be left behind for want of a more elaborate vasculum. The Desmidiacee require more care, and the gathering should be transferred with as little shaking as possible to one of the glass tubes which should be filled with water. It is a useful plan, when out for a long walk, to number the speci- mens, and note down their exact habitat in a pocket book. Some years ago the writer returned from a five and twenty mile walk across the Welsh Mountains, with some fifty “dips” of all sorts. Next day was devoted to their examination, and in one tube, among a quantity of common species, were found two frustules of Docidium rodosum, a Desmid hitherto recognised as exclusively an American species, but which has been since found, we believe, by Mr. Archer, in Ireland. Unfortunately, no such record as we suggest had been kept; and, although the writer started off next morning at daybreak, took exactly his previous route, and searched sedulously till nightfall in every tiny pool in which he remembered dipping in his previousramble, not a trace of the new plant was found. The specimens being brought home, each should be transferred in turn to a small saucer, or watch-glass, and portions of it examined under a convenient power, generally about half aninch. If any new species is spotted, it should be set aside for mounting, duly labelled temporarily ; but, if the gathering seem to contain nothing but old friends, it is a useful plan to give it a parting squeeze between the fingers, and catch the drippings in a watch-glass. Small Desmids and Diatoms, previously entangled, are pressed out in this way, and new species often reward the examination. The squeezed mass should not be thrown away till the washings have been searched over. It often pays to repeat the process. A specimen should never be thrown away because it is a poor one, orconsists of one individual, where a dozen would be acceptable. The rarest plants are naturally often met with singly. Once, in examining a mass of very dirty stuff from a Welsh bog, the writer pounced in his first dip on the rare Desmid, Wicrasterias radiosa. kashly concluding that there were sure to be plenty more, he swilled back the contents of the slide into the mess. But dip after dip, and washing after washing, were examined in vain; and, as the species was too rare to be lightly lost, it cost the work of two long nights to hunt over the entire mass, drop by drop, till the individual plant, whose diameter was about 1-140th of an inch, was recovered. We say, therefore, mount a poor specimen rather than none. If you find a better you can throw it away, or give it to a friend, who will value it. 192 FRESHWATER ALG. It is worth adding that the Desmids are easily separated from other plants by shaking the gathering up in a tube and pouring the whole into a watch glass, when, from their higher specific gravity, they sink to the bottom, and, by a little careful manipulation, may generally be recovered quite clean and free from dirt. The methods of mounting the various classes of Algs we reserve for discussion in a subsequent paper. For the present let it suffice to state that, by attention to certain indispensable details of manipulation, these plants may be preserved for indefinite periods. A few words, in conclusion, on the subject of recording observations made under the microscope. All Algse, however carefully mounted, do, in course of time, more or less lose their exact form and natural appearance. Hence it is most desirable to supplement their collection by sketches in pencil, pen and ink, or other material, made from the living plant. Various ways of doing this are recommended, but we have found the use of what is known as a neutral-tint reflector, to be by far the easiest and most effectual. This apparatus consists simply of a piece of the thinnest possible microscopic glass, fitted into a cap, which replaces that of the ordinary eye-piece, and holds the glass-plate at an angle of 45° to the axis of the instrument. Itis, in fact, a miniature Pepper’s ghost arrange- ment; and the microscope being clamped in a horizontal position and focused, upon looking down upon the glass-slip the observer sees the image of the object reflected to the eye, but apparently at a distance below the reflector equal to that between it and the object itself. By placing a sheet of paper on the table underneath, and adjusting the relative illumination of the object and the paper, so that the point of a pencil is clearly seen on the latter, it becomes easy, with a few hours’ practice, to trace the smallest details. In practice, it is best, however, to obtain an accurate outline in this way, and the spirit of the object is better given by filling in details from direct vision in the microscope. This method gives a drawing perfectly accurate, and to a scale easily ascertained. Many of the descriptions given in Hassall’s “Freshwater Alga,’ the only systematic work upon this subject in the English language, are wholly useless from the absence of all dimensions, and it is impossible to decide whether the species described are really distinct ones or are needlessly multiplied, by reason of this vital defect. It is of primary importance that dimensions should be in all cases recorded in fractious of an inch or in millimetres; and the following method of ascertaining them at a glance will be found simple and satisfactory. A plain circle of strong glass may be obtained from any optician, of size to drop into the focal point of the eye piece, and ruled into squares, conveniently of 1-50th of an inch. A glass slip ruled into thousandths of an inch is placed on the stage, and each of the objectives in ordinary use, say from } to 2 inch, being screwed into its place in turn, it is only necessary to observe which divisions of the ruled eye piece correspond with the actual thousandth-lines in the slip to obtain a gauge of the dimensions of an object corresponding to each division of the eye-piece. Plate IV. del. H. E. Forrest, On the study of Mosses. FRESHWATER ALG. 1938 For example: the slip being so arranged that the left hand 1-1000th line corresponds accurately with one of those on the eye-piece, suppose that the 5th line of the eye-piece corresponds with the 9th 1-1000th line from the left on the slip. Hence five divisions of the eye-piece — 9-1000ths or 1 division = 9-5000ths = 1-555th of aninch. In this manner the actual value of one division of the eye-piece for each power should be registered once for all: it is then the work of a moment to record the actual dimensions of any object under examination. If such records were kept systematically by observers, a comparison of their observations would go far to facilitate a harmonious classification of a large and beautiful tribe of plants, the bibliography of which is at present most unsatisfactory, and has suffered grievously from a needless multiplication of supposed species, consequent upon imperfect observa- tions stillmore imperfectly recorded. The object of this paper will be amply fulfilled if it induces some of the Naturalists of the Midland counties to engage in the study of these minute organisms, and to do their share towards elucidating the many points in their physiology which are still obscure. ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES.—I. BY JAMES E. BAGNALL. In my last paper (page 59) the material and apparatus required for the collecting and study of these plants were treated of. In the present I purpose giving some account of the development of Mosses. Mosses are cellular plants, having distinct stems, leaves, and roots, roots;) they have a capsular fruit, and are developed from spores, (seed- like contents of ripe capsule, Plate IV., fig. 1,) or gemmee, (cellular bodies capable of becoming plants, fig. 2d.) Description oF Ficures.—Puate LY. 1.—Spores of moss. 2.—Gemmitorm state of Aulocomnion, a stem, b stalk, cgemme, d gemma detached and magnified. 3.—A protonema, bb young mossplants. 4.—Species of Pottia, to show terminal fruited moss, a stem, b fruitstalk, c capsule, d conical lid. 5.—Species of Hypnum, to show lateral fruited moss, a fruitstalk, b capsules. 6.—Leat of Hypnwm, to show nerve, a nerve, b margin. 7.—Male flower of moss, a Antheridium, throwing off a number of Antherozoids c, bb paraphyses. 8.—Antheridium of Sphagnum. 9.—Archegonium of moss, a neck, b pear shaped body, e germ cell, d canai. 10.—Fruit rudiment, a calyptra, b rudimentary fruitstalk, ¢ vaginula. 11.—Indeshiscent capsule of Phascwm, a capsule, b truitstalk, c vaginula. 12.—Simple peristome of Tetraphis, a conical operculum, b peristome, ¢ capsule. 13.—Strumose capsu e of Dicranum falcatum, a rostrate operculum, b struma. 14.—Capsule of Splachnum, a operculuin, » capsule, ¢ apophysis. 15.—Prosenchymatous cells from leaf of Brywm. 16.—Parenchymatous cells from leaf of Pottia. 17.—Inflated dimidiate calyptra of Fwnaria. 18.—Dimidiate calyptra of V'ortula. 19.—Capsule of Andreea, dehiscing by valves a a. 20.—Part of double peristome of Hypnum, a inner peristome, b outer peristome. 21.—Capsule of Polytrichum, a capsule, b peristome,c diaphragm. 194 ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. The spores are minute, round, cellular bodies, varying in size, colour, and external marking, and are composed of two membranes or coats, an inner and an outer one, enclosing a thickened granular mass. Though similar in function to-the seeds of flowering plants, they differ from those organs, in being capable of germinating from any part of their surface, and in possessing no embryo, (the young plant contained in the seed ;) hence plants developed from spores are termed Acotyledons, (Gr. a, without, and kotuledon, a seed-lobe.) The spores which are formed in the capsule are the bodies from which the moss-plant is normally - developed. But many even of our common Mosses rarely produce their fruit, and are perpetuated in other ways, as, for instance, by gemmz, which may be seen forming little globular heads (2c) on the top of a pale, naked stalk (2b) in Aulacomnion androgynum, (2,) 80 frequent on wayside banks,* or from thread-like cellular bodies, abundant on the leaves of some Mosses, Orthotrichum Lyellit, for instance, frequent on poplars, elms, &c., or from bud-like bodies formed in the axils of the leaves, as in Bryum annotinum, found on sandy banks, or even detached leaves may give origin to a new plant, as in Campylopus pyriformis, frequent on heath lands. When the spores germinate, they give rise to a green thread-like body, called the protonema, (3a,) which is formed by the protrusion of the inner membrane of the spore through the outer one. ‘This, by frequent cell-division, becomes elongated and branched. The primary branch, at first green, frequently turns brown, and, in some cases, penetrates the ground and performs the function of a root. The secondary branches are well charged with chlorophyll, (green, granular matter in the interior of the cell,) and branch frequently. On various parts of the protonema bud-like bodies arise, (3).) These are the rudimentary moss-plant. From the buds roots are sent down into the medium, on which they grow. By frequently repeated cell-division these buds develope into the leafy moss-stem. Mosses, like Ferns, Horsetails, &c., grow at the apex only, and are hence termed Acrogens, (plants which increase at the summit only.) The protonema, which looks very like masses of green conferva, may be seen forming a velvety mass on the ground in the neighbour- hood of Mosses; and if a portion of such masses is examined with the microscope, all the stages of growth may frequently be seen. In most Mosses the protonema is short lived, perishing before the moss- plant is fully grown; but in some of the lower forms, as in Phascum serratum, it lasts throughout the plant’s lifetime. This Moss may be found in fallow fields.in Autumn and Spring. The gemme, above- mentioned, germinate much in the same way as spores, forming first the thread-like protonema, upon which the leafy stem is developed. The stem varies in length considerably ; in some Mosses it is imper- ceptible without a lens, as in Phascum serratum, but in many others it is very apparent. It may be erect, as in Polytrichum; or prostrate, as in some of the Hypnums, or feather-mosses ; simple, as in Pottia, (4); or * (2d) is one of the gemmie detached and magnified, , ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. 195 branched, as in Hypnum, (5). In some of the terminal-fruited mosses it branches by what are termed innovations; these are extensions of the stem, often arising at the top of the old stem, and such branching is usually forked, each fork representing a year’s growth. This mode of branching may be seen in many Brywms, and other mosses; a convenient example occurs in Grimmia pulvinata, the little hoary, cushion-like patches of which may be seen on wall-tops and thatch. The stem and branches are more or less densely clothed with leaves, which are always simple, (undivided,) and vary in shape from awl-shaped to round, the most frequent forms being lance-shaped, or oval. The leaves vary in structure, but are usually formed of a single layer of cells ; exceptions occur, as in Leucobryum; in this case the leaves are formed of three layers of cells. The cells forming the leaf assume a variety of forms, but may be referred to two types—I. Parenchymatous, (having the cells placed end to end,) asin Pottia, &c., (16); Il. Prosenchymatous, (having cells which over- lap one another at their ends; these have pointed ends, and are longer than broad, asin Brywm, (15). The study of these leaf-cells is one of great importance, as the generic and specific differences of many Mosses are often made out by the character of the cells forming the leaf. Among other forms assumed by cells we have round, as in Zygodon; quadrate, as in Pottia; hexagonal, as in Tetraphis; oblong, as in Isothecium ; rhomboid, as in Bryum, &c. The cells at the base of the leaf are frequently of different form from those of the upper part of the leaf, and are often colourless and transparent. The centre of the leaf is often occupied by elongated cells, forming what is called the nerve or midrib (6a.) This nerve is usually simple, but may be forked as in Isotheciummyurum ; or there may be two nerves, as in Hypnum triquetrum, common on marly banks; or the leaves may be nerveless, asin Hypnum stellatum. The nerve is of variable length, in some cases vanishing below the tip of the leaf, in others projecting beyond the tip and forming a short point or mucro, as in Tortula marginata ; or it may form a long transparent hair-like point, as in Tortula muralis, a Moss very frequent on wall-tops. The leaves are placed spirally upon the stem and branches, their arrangement being various, as 4 or distichous in Fissidens, 4 or tristichous in Anectangium, 2-5ths in Pottia, or 2 as in Bryum. Their direction is variable, and it is advisable to pay attention to this. Sometimes they are crowded and imbricate, (overlapping like tiles,) as in Bryum argenteum, common on walls; or they may be spreading as in Tortula fullax, which may be seen on sandy or clayey banks. In some species secund, (curved to one side,) as in Dicranella heteromalla, frequent on wayside banks; in others remarkably recurved at the tips or what is termed squarrose, as in Hypnum squarrosum, to be found on heath lands and in woods. When dry the direction of the leaves is often very different from that assumed when the plant is moist. Thusin Bryumcapillare the leaves are spreading when moist, but much twisted when dry; in Tortula spadicea much spreading when moist, but closely imbricate when dry ; 196 ON THE STUDY OF THE MOSSES. but experience will soon show that these characters vary in different species of Moss. The margin of the leaf, (6),) is sometimes plane, at others formed of adouble row of cells and hence thickened, as in Tortula marginata ; in some cases entire, in others variously toothed. In some species, Weissia controversa, for instance, it is involute, (rolled over towards the upper surface ; ) in others revolute, (rolled over towards the lower surface, ) as in Tortula revoluta, to be found on wall tops ; or the leaf may be rolled upon itself from side to side, or convolute, as in the leaves surrounding the base of the fruit-stalk of Tortula convoluta, and in some case as in Atrichum undulatum, the margin is undulated. The leaf-surface is usually smooth, but in some species, such as Thuidiwm tamariscinun, it is covered with minute projections, and is termed papillose. The leaves vary in colour, being of every shade of green, in some cases reddish, in others brown, or again, as in Leucobryum glaucum, nearly white. Mosses are often termed flowerless plants, which is a misnomer, as both male and female flowers occur on these plants, and may readily be found in most species when the leafy stem has arrived at maturity. In many of our Mosses, as in the Bryums and Polytrichums, they occur as star-like bodies at the top of the stem ; in others, such as the common Hypnum rutabulum, both male and female flowers may be found as bud-like bodies in the axils of the stem-leaves. In the bog-mosses or Sphagnums they occur in pendulous catkins, which are often tinged with red or brown. If these flowers are dissected it will be seen that they consist of a number of leaves surrounding or enveloping the organs of reproduction, the Antheridia, (bodies which perform the function of an anther, 7a,) 7.e., the male ; or the Archegonia, (bodies which perform the function of a pistil or ovary, 9,) i.c., the female reproductive bodies. The leaves surrounding the antheridia form what is termed the perigonium, (that which surrounds the male organ ;) those surrounding the archegonia form the perigynium, (that which surrounds the female organ.) The male flowers are sometimes developed in the axils of the ordinary leaves, and have no perigonium, as in Sphagnum. [TO BE CONTINUED. | METEOROLOGY OF THE MIDLANDS. THE WEATHER OF MAY, 1878. BY. W. J. HARRISON, F.G.S. The first few days of May were tolerably fine and clear, but on the 7th rain began to fall, and continued daily until the 29th, thus giving twenty-three consecutive days of rain! As one observer succinctly puts it, this downpour “spoilt the promise of April; damaged the crops, and put everybody out of temper.” ERRATUM.—In remarks for April, read Swallow for Cuckoo at Kibworth on April 11th. Cuckoo did not appear there till May 2nd; very late. THE WEATHER OF MAY, 197 RAINFALL. TEMPERATURE. ‘= Greatest fall ss Greatest ht.Great’st cold. STATION. OBSERVER. = = in 24 hours.. a) |B In.|In.) Date. |“ = Deg} Date. ee Date- GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Cainscross, Stroud ..........]|W. B. Baker, Esq. ........|6°65)163) 10 23 340} 21 Cheltenham ..........0..0..|f- Lyrer, Esq. Aasse§ ecceee| £99] 1:08} 10 24 | 700 10 33°0| 21 Btroud ...................--.|5- J. Coley, Esq. .........-|601)1'65) 10 | 24/720) 1&10/38-c]} 20 SHROPSHIRE. i" | Haughton Hall, Shifnal ....|/Rev. J. Brooke ............)5°9°| 1068} 10 26 | 67-0 360} 21 HECHUTCH seeccece ce ccess (A. B. GeOrZe, HSQ. ..,.000- 5°23) 1:10 8 23 | 66-0/17 & 19} 42°0/22 & 24 Woolstaston ....... 0.000000) eV. BH. D. Carr.....csce0s-| 5°60) “83 9 24 1690} 1&2 |35,0) 22 Leaton Vicarage, Shrewsbury /Rev. E. V. Pigott -.-| 4°86) "86 8 23/686] 12 |340) 21 More Rectory, Bishop’s Castle|Rev. A. Male ... 4°92) °72 7 26/680} 81 |32°0) 21 Larden Hall, Much Wenlock. .|Miss F. R. Boughton . -| 5°38} °98 8 25 Bishop's Castle .+....4+++0++/E- Griffiths, Esq. ..........|493| “74 7 21 1690} 31 350} 21 Cardington ...... .|Rev. Wm. Elliot .......... 5°86] °86 8 26 Adderley Rectory..... Rev. A. Corbet ............| 0°43) °95 7 24 | Stokesay ...................,|Rev. J. D. La Touche...... 5°69) “77 “i 24 | 67°7 1 |389 5 HEREFORDSHIRE. Wihitfield .-:. 5... ...<.c0ccees|W- Wheatley, Esq: ........)0 41) 999] 10 27 32:0) 5 Stoke Bliss ......... seeeeeee.(hev. G. E. Alexander ......|556} 106] 10 25 | 660/12 & 18/380) 21 WORCESTERSHIRE. Orleton, Tenbury............|T- H. Davis, Esq. ..........| 6°12} 123} 10 25/680} 18 |33°8| 21 West Malvern ... .....|A. H. Hartland, Hee: «+eee-| 630/131) 10 27 | 69°0 1 340) 20 Pedmore ..... ..|E. B. Marten, Esq. ...| 626) °96) 10 24 | 70°0/1,5, & 12) 36:0} 20 Stourbridge..... :|Mr. J. Jeffries...... «»--| 6°02) 98) 10 24 1740 2 |30°0| 20 St. John’s, Worce r -seeee--/G. B. Wetherall, Esq. ......{ 6°56) 128} 10 24 | 69:0} 1 & 13/360) 21 STAFFORDSHIRE. Thorganby Villa, Wolverhmtn|G. J. C. Broom, Esq. ...... 12) 10 25 ABRIBSGOTI eons Seis crelewicieis aceon IW Scott, Sg. fo. cmse ace wee “69 vf 24/692) 31 288} 20 Amblecote ..... : :|Mr. J. Robins...... K 10 24 Dudley. ..-..-.'. Mr. J. Fisher ...... 5 7 24 74:0) 12 320} 20 Aco ea Mr. C. Beale ...... : & 10) 25 | 65°0/5,12,&18] 36°0| 20 Mr. W H. Bolton.. " 10 25 | 73:0 1 36°0| 4 & 20 eae sidoersiaaieo | Mike Werle BOREE. cies | 8 25/700) 12 37:0} 20 Grammar School, Burton... G. U. Tripp, Esq. ...... y 7 25 | 73:0 2 35:0} 21 Patshull Gardens ............ T. W. Dell, Esq. .... i 1 26 | 720} 6 & 30 |33°0| 21 |Hon.and Rey.J. Bridgeman 5°85) 105) 10 25 |74°0} 12 |35°0) 21 6°43} 1°03 10 22 | 68°4 13 33°5 21 5 1) 457 1B 8 24 Tean Vicarage, near Cheadle|Rev. G. T. Ryves ..........| 461] “74 7 24 | 68:0) 2&18 |340} 21 The Heath House, Cheadle..|J. G. Philips, Esq...........| 4°70) ‘73 7 24 | 660 6 38°0} 21 WARWICKSHIRE. : | Coundon, Coventry ..........|Lieut.-Col. R. Caldicott ..../5°93} *86) 7 | 25/750) 11 {42°0| 320 Coventry SaSdConbE J. Gulson, Esq. ....... | & de. 7 24 Bickenhill Vicarage. .W.R Capel. Esq... z 10 22 | St. Mary’s College, Oscott....|Rev. S.J Whitty... oon 3| Ll: 10 25 |682| 12 |35°0) a1 Henley-in-Arden ............/I. H. G. Newton, Esq......] 5°78) 133) 911 27 | 70°0)1,4, 5, 31 ae 21 Rugby School ..... «.....|Rev. T. N. Hutchinson ....| 5712] “78 us 24 | 70°0| 21 DERBYSHIRE, x Buxton .................-..-.|H.Jd-Sykes, Esq. .. A 52 7 24 | 65°0 2 |312) a1 Brampton S. Thomas........|Rev. J. M. Mello .. AS 73) 23 19 | 68°0 1 355} 30 Stoney Middleton... ....j/Rev. U. Smith .... Geo) fi ‘61; 18 22 | 68:0 2 250} 20 Fernslope, Belper... --+.|J. G. Jackson, Esq. . «--[ 5°74] “75 8 24 |69°0} 12 |36°0) 21 Matlock Bath .............. R. Chadwick, jun., Esq.....}5°94| ‘71} 16 25 | 68:3) 12 345; 21 Linacre Reservoir, Ches’ field|C. E. Jones, Esq. ..........] 5°48) 1°99) 23 25 Willesley Gardens, Cromford..|J. Tissington, Esq. ........| 5°71] “76 9 20 Stuffynwood Hall........ ..-.| Mr. R. Rolfe. ...... ..-/ 4°94] .71] 18 25 | 71:0 2 35°0} 20 Spondon .........cceccccess[Jeks Barber, HSQ..... 00.) 58S} 182 7 25 YORKSHIRE. : Tickhill, Rotherham ........|/B. J. Whitaker ........ oo--{ 291) “46 7 23 |72°0)} 14 34:0} 21 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. . Hodsock Priory, Worksop ..|H. Mellish, Esq. 3°78| “dd 6 25 |72°7| 27 832°9) 21 Grove House, Mansfield ....|W. Tyrer, Esq. .. -|4°97] "65 8 28 | 702 5 858) 21 MIXTOTC, Seclsccccsceccceccsaci0- Ne Dutby, HS....0.0c04-)460|109) 24 .- 1740) 12 35°0| 20 LEICESTERSHIRE. | Loughborough ..............) W. Berridge, Esq..........|3°90} °89 7 98 ;748| 17 371) 20 Ashby Magna..’..............|Rev. HE. Willes ............|4°79} 88 8 24 | 76:0) 1 |360! a1 Market Harborough ........ IS. W. Cox, Esq. .... «| 5°31] °90 8 25 | 68:02 ,7,& 18} 340] 91 Kibworth ....................|1 Macaulay, Esq. ........|4°98] “86 if 24 Town Museum, Leicester ....|W. J. Harrison, Esq. ---| 4°71) 114 ul 25 |697%| 18 36°9} 21 Belmont Villas, Leicester....|H. Billson, Esq. .......... 4°74) 116) 7 25 171°8 5 368) a3 Syston ...........sesee+ee0-s|0- Hames, jun., Hsq. .....-/5°02| “99 7 26 |76°0| 6 370) 931 Waltham-le-Wold. 5 ee ES ul tele fe neteiataiaccie= 3°72| °67 8 23 | 68°0 6 35°0 20 Little Dalby Hall. G. Jones, Esq. .. 3°80) °85 7 23 | 750 5 33°0} 21 Coston Rectory, M .|Rey. A. M. Rendell -| 3°76} “83 8 23|70:0117 & 18/310] 21 Belvoir Castle ..............|W- Ingram, Esq. .. «.-/ 4°40] °66 9 25 |710) 13 340) 21 Foxton Locks................|Union Canal Company ....|5°07| *82 8 22 NORTHAMPTONSHIRE. Towcester Brewery..........|J. Webb, Esq.............-.|4°32| “82 7 21 Castle Ashby ................|R. G. Seriven, Esq. ........| 4°33] °90 T 24 |72°0| 12 400} 20 Sedgebrooke ... “4 dsee 1G. A. Markham, Esq. ......| 4°56} *98 7 24 | 76°0/11 & 19) 33°0/21 & 22 wars ainimelseiae [ol WLU UN on dele cic eceie cine | 4371 100 7 23, | 70°0 q 37°0 ADAACC OS) fuieeoy Jakeman, Esq. ......| 4°30] °93 T 91/710) 2 35°0! 5 & 21 Northampton................|H. Terry, Esq. ...........-| 4°06} “92 7 22/720) 12 36°0 RUTLAND. Burley-on-the-Hill ..........]W. Temple, Esq. ..........| 4°26] ‘83 9 26 |75°0| 12 30°0} 21 Tickencote ....... W. Hayes, Esq. .. -14°34] °80 8 21/660) 12 380 4 West Deyne, Uppingham ....|Rev. G. H. Mullins ........| 5°15) 1°35 7 23/713 6 |346) 21 Spital Cemetery, Carlisle ....|T. Bell, Esq. ..............| 2°40| “40 Vl 20 | 71'8| 6 & 12) 33°6 ro Ventnor Hospital............/H. Sagar, Esq. -. 2°60) 69) 28 | 15 |}672) 31 422 Altarnun Vicarage .......... Rev. G. Tripp.............-| 780)128| 15 |24\700) 19 (340 sea ¥i 198 THE WEATHER OF MAY. There is no doubt that the month was one of the wettest, if not the wettest May on record in the Midland Counties. Observa- tions going back more than forty years show nothing to surpass it, although an approach is made by the May of 1869, which, we may hopefully note, was followed by a very dry summer. At every Midland station, however, the rainfall of May, 1878, may be taken as from two to three times the average amount for that month. At many points on the west and south-west, the 10th was the day of maximum fall, but in the centre and east most fell on the 7th and 8th. Owing to the superabundance of moisture, the foliage and grass are unusually forward, luxuriant, and green; but wheat begins to suffer, garden seeds have decayed in the ground, and slugs and grubs are very abundant. Bees, however, have had a bad time of it. The barometer has been low and fluctuating ; temperature equable, with hardly any frost, but little sunshine and south-westerly winds. Thunderstorms have been frequent, those on the 1st, 13th, 17th, 18th, and 27th may be specially noted. The Swift was seen at Tamworth on the 4th, Kibworth on the 5th, and Castle Ashby on the 15th. Corncrake heard at Burton on Ist, and Castle Ashby on 4th; also, at last place, White-throat on same day. Horse-chestnut flowered at Stroud on 5th, at Burton on 3rd; Hawthorn and Laburnum came out about the 7th, but the show of each has been brief and poor. Correspondence, Ware Raacep Rosin (Lychnis Flos-cuculi.)—Allow me to record that I have this day found a pure white form of this plant.—S. CHELIDONIUM MAsJuS.—Whilst on a visit to a village on the borders of Notts last year, one of the party said he remembered the spot in a lane where a plant of Chelidonium majus grew when he was last there thirty- eight years before. On going to the spot to our surprise we saw a plant of the same kind. Is it not rather curious that the habitat had not been destroyed during the course of so many years ?—H. Jounson. Fresuwater Aguartum.—I should feel much obliged for detailed directions how to maintain a freshwater aquarium in good condition. Is it possible to keep alive for any length of time such beautiful and interesting creatures as the freshwater polyzoa, melicerta, conochilus, &c.? If so, how ?—M. Brrre. Cucxoo.—A few evenings ago, as I was standing in the garden listening to the Cuckoo, one bird very much astonished me, by several times singing ‘ Cuck-cuck-cuck-cuck-cuck-cuck-coo,” repeating the first note, as near as I could count, half a dozen times, but it may have been oftener. Is this a common variation of the bird’s usually almost monotonous song? To me itseemeda clear case of ‘‘ too many ‘cucks.’”—N. Reppoty.—Can any of your ornithological readers tell me what bird is distinguished by the above name? I find, on referring to the ‘‘ Wild Birds’ Protection Act, 1872,” that the ‘‘ Redpoll” is mentioned in the schedule. Would it be considered that under this name is included the brown linnet, which some early ornithologists haye, I believe in error, called the ‘‘ Greater Redpoll?” I shail also be glad to have an opinion as to the correctness of that term, ‘‘ Greater Redpoll.” Is the brown linnet known by that name now? If so, wouldit be covered by the term “ Redpoll,” or is that name so generally applied to a particular species as to preclude such an extended signification being given to it ?—Frep. W. RorHeEra. CORESPONDENCE. 199 Guactan Drirt Deposirs.—I was present at the Annual Meeting of the Union, and wag sorry to see so much time frittered away against the good sense of the majority in discussing whether the obviously inadequate subscription of one penny annually per member should be increased to a sufficient sum for carrying on real work by the Union; while one of the most important subjects brought before the meeting, namely, Mr. Harrison’s excellent suggestion, that the Societies should one and all take up and investigate, under proper regulations, the subject of the glacial drift deposits of the Midlands, was barely glanced at. Will Mr. Harrison be kind enough, in an early number, to point out what he recommends the Societies to do?—F. L., Shrewsbury. THIRLMERE.—Naturalists and lovers of the picturesque must be grateful to the House of Lords for rejecting the Bill for the alteration of Thirlmere by the Manchester Corporation, although, doubtless, another and stronger attempt will be made next year to force the Bill through both Houses of Parliament. If so, I think some strong protest should be made against the proposed scheme by all Natural History Societies. If the scheme be carried out, Juncus filiformis will be destroyed in one of its few English localities, and the most secluded, yet accessible, of our “hunting grounds” must be damaged most materially, not to mention other and more powerful objections against an unnecessary destruction of the peculiar charms of a district round which so many pleasant memories are entwined.—G. C. Druce. Entomotocy.—I have often wondered how it is that so little space is devoted in the ‘“‘ Midland Naturalist” to Entomology. Botany seems the favourite science, but surely there are many points in Entomology which require elucidation, and I should think there must be, in various parts of the Midland Counties, original observers who have something to tell about the habits and peculiarities of insects of all kinds, which have not yet been recorded.—M. T. L., Leicester. Deatu’s Heap Morn anp THE SprnpLE Trezr.—On August 6th, 1877, whilst seated on the tail board of a pleasure van driving through a most lovely lane leading to the ancient ‘‘ Friends’ Meeting House,” at Jordan’s Wood, Buckinghamshire, (where the philanthropist, Wm. Penn, is buried,) I noticed a large larva feeding upon a shrub in the hedge. Jumping from the van, I soon gained possession of it, a most beautifully marked larva of the Death’s Head Moth, (Acherontia Atropos.) The plant I had never seen before, so brought a good supply home with me, and though I enquired at the British Museum no one could tell me the name, and by a strange coincidence Mr. Fred Smith (of the British Museum) had a larva feeding upon the same plant, the name of which he had been unable to obtain. I set some of the twigs in my garden, and was much pleased to find it growing, and throwing out vigorous shoots and flower buds, which opened just in time for me to take down to Birmingham to show my old friend Mr. J. EK. Bagnall; he at once recognized it as the the Spindle Tree, (Huonymus Europeus.) I shall be glad to know if other entomologists have noticed Atropos feeding upon this rave plant.—F rep. Enocx, 30, Russell Road, London, N. OrGANIsED Work For Screnriric Socreties.—Your correspondent F. T. L.’s suggestion is one which, it seems to me, should commend itself to the attention of all scientific societies which profess to have any regard for the working out of the Natural History of the districts in which they happen to be situated. Committees might be formed in each society, consisting of those who were prepared, and were deemed competent, to take part in the work. This would enable the workers in each department of science respectively to become acquainted, and to make arrangements as to the areas and the sub-divisions of the work which they preferred to undertake. It would also enable workers to arrive at more satisfactory conclusions. In Geology—for that is the only 200 CORRESPONDENCE. subject on which I will venture to speak—good sections, sometimes of more than local interest, such as the junctions between formations, are often lost to science for want of the necessary funds to have them photo- graphed while they are fresh, or before they become grass-grown. When original observations are made, and perhaps local discoveries—which, of course, can scarcely be hoped to happen at very short intervals—the results are communicated to the local scientific society, and beyond a necessarily brief newspaper notice they seldom find their way into print, and are soor beyond the reach of reference. Geology, above all subjects, has to depend so much on artificial openings being made in the rocks that vigilant observers, who will be ready at all times, and often at no little personal inconvenience, to take advantage of any artificial exposures that may be made, are needed in every district. Of course very much of the value of such scientific work as is proposed depends on its thoroughness. Mere flimsy, or ‘‘ kid glove,” observers, who seem to imagine that the more ground they can contrive to cover, no matter how imperfectly, the greater their achievements, should be as far as possible avoided.—J. 8. Gleanings. A Srurcexon, 8ft. long and 2301bs. in weight, was recently caught in the Estuary of the Severn. This magnificent specimen has been purchased by Mr. Montagu Browne, Naturalist, Birmingham. We understand he purposes mounting it and presenting it tothe Birmingham Aquarium. Geonocicau.—Readers of Mr. J. Shipman’s paper in the ‘ Midland Naturalist” for January and February last, entitled ‘Some new Features in the Geology of East Nottingham,” in which several important errors in the geological map of the survey were pointed out, will, we feel sure, be glad to learn that Mr. Aveline, the district surveyor of the geological survey, has veryrecently gone over the ground examined by Mr. Shipman, and will shortly issue a corrected map and memoir of this district. THe Conourtnc Marrer. In THE PuiuMAcE or Birps.—Mr. H. C. Sorby, F.R.S., recently delivered a lecture on this subject before the Selby Naturalists’ Society. He commenced by explaining the cause of colour in general, stating it to be due to the absorption of some of the prismatic colours and the reflection of others. White is produced when all the colours are reflected and none absorbed, whilst black is the result when all are absorbed and none reflected. The colours of feathers are due, first, to the presence of a colouring matter called pigment, which may be extracted and used as a paint; second, to the reflection of the prismatic colours of light by the peculiar construction of the laming in the structure of the feathers. Feathers of the first kind are those which show the same colour both by reflected and by transmitted light. The lecturer exhibited a number of water-colour drawings, painted with the pigments extracted from feathers, and observed that in one instance - copper was found to be one of the elements in the composition of the colour, which is, perhaps, the only case known in the animal kingdom where copper forms part of the normal structure. A connection had been observed between birds having bright coloured plumage and the flowers on plants on which they feed, the colour of the flowers apparently being developed in the feathers of the birds, especially in the yellow colour, whilst birds of prey were usually devoid of yellow colouring. Grey was shown to be diluted black pigment. The second kind of colours are those which, like the iridescence of a soap bubble are caused by the reflection of light from two surfaces nearly parallel; examples of this kind are found in the feathers of the peacock, pheasant, humming bird, &c., the colours not being caused by pigment, but due to a curious optical phenomenon. GLEANINGS. 201 Paris Exurerrion.—Nature says, ‘‘ We learn, with pleasure, that at a meeting held at Barrow-in-Furness, on June 3, the Committee of the Naturalists’ Field Club belonging to that town determined to organise a scheme for sending representatives (artisans, if possible) to the Paris Exhibition, with the view of collecting information in connection with the various branches of science which are there practically illustrated, one of the conditions being that the result of the observations should be imparted to the club in the form of lectures during the ensuing winter. Promises of substantial support haye been received from several of the leading men in the district, and the scheme is expected to be shortly in working order. Tame-BrEeD Martarps.—Mr. W. H. Roach says in the Field :—*I reside between two and three miles from the Liverpool Exchange, so you may guess my place is not very secluded. About ten years ago I brought from Ireland nine or ten wild ducklings that had been hatched by a hen, turned them out on the pond in our garden, never interfered with their wings, but fed them regularly. They remained on the pond, (70ft. by 40ft.) quite tame, and used to come to the hall door for food. However, in the course of time and occasional rambles, they all got shot or other- wise put an end to, with the exception of one mallard, and he for several years past has left me at Christmas, goes I don’t know where, but returns as certainly the last week in May, and as tame as ever, taking bread almost from my hand. I have met no one acquainted with a similar case.” CRUSADE AGAINST SparRows.—F rom the Voronto Leader we learn that the English Sparrow is no longer a favourite in some parts of America. The Nuttal Ornithological Club, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has made the bird the subject of grave deliberation, and haying duly weighed the evidence pro and con. have decided that it ought to be exterminated. It is alleged that the native birds are driven away wherever the sparrow has gained an ascendancy. Microscopy.—Mr. Dudgeon makes the following suggestion as to examination of small organisms in water :—‘‘Inclose the objective in a brass or other metal tube, having its lower end closed by a piece of thin microscopic glass, coming close up to but not touching the object glass. With this protection we can plunge the end of the microscope into a small tank, filled with water, containing the small livings organisms, and examine them at leisure.” q) yAL CANE NS Aeports ot Societies. BIRMINGHAM NATURAL HISTORY AND MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY.—Brotoaican Szecrion.—May 14th.—Dr. Rickards read a valuable paper ‘‘On the Ear in Man and other Vertebrates,’ in which he pvinted out that, as a descent was made in the scale of vertebrates, the external and middle ears differed in important particulars. In referring to the functions of different parts of the internal ear, he ascribed to the cochlea that of estimating the quality of sound, and declared himself a_ believer in the view warmly advocated by Professor Crum-Brown that the semi- circular canals were the organs of a special sense apart from that of hearing, viz., the sense of rotation. Dr. Rickards expressed the opinion that important light would some day be thrown on the functions of the different parts of the internal ear in man by a comparative study of the anatomy of the organ of hearing in vertebrates in connection with their varying hearing powers. The paper was illustrated by excellent diagrams and wax models, as well as by a fine collection of specimens, amongst which some lent by Mr. W. R. Hughes were 202 REPORTS. considered by the author to be unique.—Mr. Lawson Tait made some interesting observations on the varying powers of perception of sounds in different persons, and in regard to the organs of hearing in lower animals remarked that, though he had seen many cases of total deafness in cats, he had never found this to be accompanied by muteness.—Among specimens contributed by members of the section the following may be mentioned:—Mr. Blatch described a very rare beetle, Miscodera arctica, from Hednesford, and exhibited both the male and female, the species never having been hitherto recorded further south than Yorkshire; Mr. J. Bagnall various rare plants from Warwickshire habitats; Miss Hadley specimens of Bellis perennis, showing phyllody of various parts of the flower ; Mr. Slatter the male, exceedingly rare, of Conochilus volvox. May 21st.— GENERAL MertiInGc.—Mr. J. Bagnall exhibited Gphioglossum vulgatum, from Hamstead ; Mr. T. J. Slatter exhibited Achlya prolifera on the dead larva of a gnat—a microscopic fungus; also, Ulva crispa, (Confervoid Alga,) both from Redditch. Mr. A. W. Wills read his third and concluding paper of the series on “ Freshwater Alge.” June 4th—Grnerat Mertinc.—Mr. J. Bagnall exhibited Carex fulva, from Sutton Park; Poterium muricatum and Alopecurus agrestis, from near Marston Green; Mr. H. E. Forrest exhibited Alcyonella fungosa, (Polyzoa,) from Sutton Park; Mr. J. Morley exhibited Alchemilla alpina; Mr. M. Browne exhibited nine species of Papilionide, including the rare Papilio xaimoxis, from West Africa, (unknown three years ago;) Mr. Bolton exhibited Embryo of the Roach, (Cyprinus rutilus.) June 11th.—Bronoeican Secrion.—Mr. W. R. Hughes presented, on behalf of Mr P. H. Gosse, F.R.S., the papers reprinted from Philosophical Transactions ‘‘on the Structure, Fuuactions, and Homologies of the Manducatory Organs in the class Rotifera,’ and “(n the Diccious Character of the Rotifera.” The following specimens were exhibited:—By Mr. Montagu Browne, a white variety of common Starling, (Sturnus vulgaris,) from Hamstead. By Mr. J. Bagnall, Polystichwm angulare, from Rowington ; Sanicula Europea, and other plants, from Fillongley, &e. By Mr. C. E. Crick, Aquilegia vulgaris, Cyno- glossum vulgare, and other plants, from Llangollen. By Mr. W. Southall, Lquisetum arvense, E.limosum, E. palustre, and E. Telmateia, all from one pool at Edgbaston, in which they occupy distinct situations corresponding to the different aspects of its various parts. By Mr. A. W. Wills, the very rare Rotifer, Melicerta pilula, (Cubitt,) more correctly Weistes pilula, first observed by Mr. J. G. Tatem in 1868, and subsequently named and described by Mr. C. Cubitt in 1872. The peculiarity of the species is its mode of building up its theca from its own excreta, and Mr. Wills exhibited specimens in which, by feeding the animal on alternate days with carmine and indigo ; he had obtained tubes built of alter- nate courses of red and blue bricks. In referring to this Rotifer, Mr. T. Bolton showed drawings of a tube-building Rotifer, probably another species of the same genus, recently described as a new one at a meeting oi the Royal Micro- scopieal Society, but which he thought to be identical with one sketched by a friend some years ago, and provisionally named (7 Anacharis. In consequence of an unavoidable engagement Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L.8., was obliged to postpone his paper on Hippocampus brevirostris. Jane 18th—GENERAL Meretine.—Mr. J. Bagnall exhibited Geraniwm Columbinum, Onobrychis sativa, Galium tricorne, Helminthia echioides, Carex acuta, and a number of other plants, found between Binton and Stratford-upon-Avon. A number of plants were also exhibited by Mr. J. Butterfield. Mr. W. R. Hughes, F.L.S., read, on behalf of Dr. Spencer Cobbold, F.R.S., a continuation of his valuable communi- cations on ‘The Parasites of Man,” which will appear in the ‘“ Midland Naturalist’ for August. The paper was illustrated by numerous remarkable microscopic preparations. BURTON-UPON-TRENT NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAO- LOGICAL SOCIETY.—tThe first excursion made by the members this year took place on May 22nd, and was to Bardon Hill, under the leadership of Mr. W. Molyneux, F.G.S. The granite quarries were first visited and the processes of quarrying, &c., inspected. A good general notion of the geology of the district was obtained. The party next made for the top of Bardon Hill, and enjoyed the glorious landscapes visible therefrom. After collecting numbers of geological and other specimens, the monastery of St. Bernard was visited. After tea at the Forest Rock Hotel, the party returned by train to Burton. REPORTS. 203 CHELTENHAM NATURAL SCIENCE SOCIETY.—The first session was brought to a successful close on Muy 16th, when the President, Dr. T. Wright, F.G.S., F.R.S.E., delivered a most instructive address on “ Fossil Fishes,” for an abstract of which we regret to say we have no room this month.—The Rev. W.S. Symonds and Mr. Francis Day also delivered addresses of much interest, the former discussing the question whether the older fishes lived in freshwater lakes or in salt water seas; and the latter dealing with the subject of “‘ Classification.” The next meeting of the Society willbe in the autumn. EVESHAM FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB.—May 30th.—Mr. J. S. Slater in the chair. It was reported that the Excursion to Mickleton, arranged for May 11th, had, after several times being postponed on account of bad weather, been abandoned for this season. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. T. Latham for his courtesy on the occasion of the Excursion to Dudley, on the 28th May. The following plants were mentioned by Mr. Doeg as_ having been found lately in the neighbourhood :—Sazifraga hypnoides, Polygonatum officinale, Ophrys museifera, and Polypodium Robertianum. An Excursion took place on Saturday, June 8th, by break, to Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore. There was not a large attendance. The following plants were found :— Habenaria bifolia, Iris fetidissima, Hypericum androsemum, and Viburnum Opulus. June 13th.—Mr. A. H. Martin in the chair. Mr. Doeg brought a very large specimen of the Lamprey, (Petromyzon marinus,) 264in. long, and weighing 121b., taken in River Avon, near Cropthorne, last week. Mr. Martin showed an egg of the Night-jar. Mr G. New reported that Lathyrus Nissolia and Lathyrus Aphaca were both growing in great abundance on the side of the Worcester Road. NOTTINGHAM LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.— Natural Scrence Section.—May 11th.—A geological excursion was made to Annesley. Near the station a section of Lower Bunter red sandstone, capped by drift, was examined. The party then visited (by permission of C. Musters, Esq.) an old quarry in the park. Here are several interesting exposures of highly calcareous and cemented drift May 22nd.—Annuan Mrxrtine.—The following officers were elected for the year 1878-9 :—President, Mr G. B. Rothera; Vice- Presidents: Mr. E. Smith, M.A., Mr. A. H. Scott White, B.Se., B.A., F.G.S.; Hon. Secretary, Mr. Isaac Mosley ; Committee: Rev.G. E.C. Casey, M.A., F.G.S., Messrs. E. Parry, C. J. A. Crawley, B.A., E. Wilson, F.G.S., A. L. Kohn.—May 25th — Geological excursion to Stanton-on-the Wolds.—June 10th (Whit-Monday.j)— A geological excursion (under the guidance of Mr. E. Wilson, F.G.S.) was made to Miller’s Dale. The party visited a marble quarry in Tideswell Dale, where the Toadstone is seen resting upon carboniferous limestone. Description of the section and general geological features of the district by Mr. Wilson. The party then visited a quarry in Monsal Dale and other places of interest. NOTTINGHAM NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY.—June 5th—An ordinary meeting was held, at which various Natural History objects collected during the present year were exhibited.—Afternoon walks were taken every Saturday during the month. OSWESTRY AND WELSHPOOL NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB AND ARCHAOLOGICAL SOCIETY.—Thursday, June 20th, was fixed for the second Excursion of this Club. Meeting at Forden Station the party proceeded first to Munlyn Farm, where there is a large mound, surrounded by a moat, and close by the Severn. Then crossing the river they came to S. Benno’s Stone, a large, upright boulder, standing by the roadside. Next they visited the Church at Berriew, (a handsome modern building,) and admired the view of the Rhiw from the bridge in the village. They followed the road up the beautiful Valley of the Rhiw as far as Pontyffrid, and then struck across the hills, past an old camp, to the top of Powys Castle Park, from which there is a magnificent view of Shropshire and Welsh scenery, including Cader Idris, Plynlimmon, the Arans, and the Berwyn range. Thence the road lay through the Park, with its splendid trees, past the Castle, to Welshpool. The day was all that could be desired, and among the plants found we may mention Inula Helenium, Lamium maculatum, Habenaria bifolia, and Trifolium striatum. 204 REPORTS, ETC. SEVERN VALLEY NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.—The first meeting of the Club this year was held at Great Malvern, the visit lasting from Tuesday to Friday, June 4th to 7th. On the first day visits were made to the quarries and sections of the North Hill. In the evening papers were read by Mr. F. Day, of Cheltenham, on “ Fish Life ;’ and the Rev. W. S. Symonds, of Pendock, on ‘“‘Some of the historical associations around the Malvern Hills.” Wednesday, June 5th, the party, joined by members of the Malvern, Woojhope, and Cotteswold Field Clubs, drove to the Herefordshire Beacon and Eastnor. A walk of seven miles, conmmencing at Wind’s Point, was undertaken under the guidance of Mr. Symonds. The route was by way of the Great Camp and Hermit’s Cave to the Camp on Midsummer Hill, thence by the quarry of Green- stone and Diorite in the Holly Bush Pass, by the valley of the white-leaved oak and a series of quarries to the Somers’ Arms Inn, Eastnor, from whence the party drove back to Malvern. In the evening Dr. Thos. Wright, F.R.S.E., of Cheltenham, commenced an address on the Palzontology of the Malvern Hills, and Mr. G. W. Hastings described the structure of the hills. On Thursday, Jane 6th, a visit was first paid to Dr. Grindrod’s fine collection of Silurian fossils, &c. Afterwards the party went by trainto Stoke Edith, and Mv. Symonds again acting as guide led the way through the Park to Seager Hill, from which there is a fine view of the Woolhope Valley. Mr. Symonds described the remarkable geological features of the district. The quarries at Dormington were next visited. After tea at the Foley Arms, Tarrington, in the room where Sir Roderick Murchison wrote great part of bis “ Siluria,” the party returned to Malvern, where Dr. Wright finished his address on the Paleontology of the district, and Mr. Symonds narrated the weird legend of the ‘‘ Shadow of the Rugged Stone.” On Friday the party dispersed, after a most enjoyable meeting. WARWICKSHIRE FIELD CLUB.—At a recent meeting, Mr. Andrews read a paper, of which the following is an abstract:—‘‘ Many years ago I made a commencement to examine the glacial or drift formation in the neighbourhood of Coventry, and collected a great number of specimens, but I was not able to continue the investigation. Recently, however, I have returned to the subject, and having studied most of the works on the question which have appeared during the last few years, I became convinced that it was quite hopeless to make any systematic examination of these formations without a much better knowledge of the topography of the district than we at present possess. I therefore resolved to make a new survey of the county, or if that were not possible, at least of the whole of the district round the city of Coventry, and the map now shown is the first instalment of the work. The method adopted in making the survey was very simple, viz., by collecting all the published informa- tion that I could as to the altitudes that have been measured, such as the various Ordnance bench marks, the levels of the various canals, railways, &ec., by using this information as a basis for the survey, and finally by walking over the district, and examining the altitudes by means of an aneroid barometer, and sketching the contour lines on the spot. I have tinted the map with a series of tiuts in Indian ink, on the principle that if the waters of the ocean were 200 feet above their present level, they would exactly occupy the space covered on the map by the deepest shade, and which is indicated by the figures, 100, 200. If the waters were 300 feet above their present level, they would also occupy the space covered by the next paler shade which is indicated by the figures, 200, 300, andsoon. The district covered by my survey, up to the present moment, (December, 1877,) extends from Hinckley on the north, to Harbury Railway Station on the south, and from Branston on the east, to Knowle on the west, and consequently includes about half of Warwickshire.” The map is now placed in the Reading Room of the Free Library, Coventry. EXCHANGE. Wanted, Carex stricta, Carex endistans, Scirpus triqueter, for rare plants.— G. C. Druceg, Northampton. GEOLOGY OF SHROPSHIRE. 205 _ RECENT DISCOVERIES IN THE GEOLOGY OF SHROPSHIRE.—I. BY CHARLES CALLAWAY, M.A., D.SC. LOND., F.G.8. INTRODUCTION. This paper, furnished at the desire of the Editors of this Journal, gives a brief outline of a paper read by me before the Geological Society, in March, 1877, and published in Vol. XXXIII. of the Society’s Journal. Its object is to announce the discovery of a new area of Tremadoc and Pre-tremadoc rocks, near the Wrekin, with a fauna. mainly composed of new species. Papers will probably be communicated on the quartzites of Shropshire, and on a recently discovered Pre-cam- brian volcanic series of great interest and importance, when the rocks have been more completely worked out. Sir R. I. Murchison has described the area under consideration, from the Wrekin on the north- east to the May Hill sandstone at Kenley on the south-west, as composed of strata of Caradoc age, the Wrekin itself being an igneous outburst altering the Caradoc sandstone on its flanks into quartzite. The Geological Survey has followed Murchison, but has included, under the name of “ quartzite,” certain sandstones in which I have detected fossils in abundance. In the Journal of the Geological Society (Vol. X., p. 62,) Messrs. Aveline and Salter describe this area as Caradoc, and Salter gives a list of fossils from (so-called) Lower Caradoc shales at Harnage and Shineton, mixing up Cambrian forms, such as Olenus, from Shineton, with Cambro-Silurian genera, such as Trinucleus, from Harnage, the shales at Shineton and at Harnage evidently being considered identical. Salter, in the “‘ Geological Magazine” for 1867, refers to the shales at Shineton, which he there regards as ‘‘ the top of the Llandeilo Flags proper.” The same writer seems, in after years, to have been struck with the incongruous association of Cambrian and Cambyro-Silurian forms; for, in ‘‘ A Catalogue of the Collection of Cambrian and Silurian fossils contained in the Geological Museum of the University of Cambridge,” published in 1873, while describing what he supposes to be a Triarthrus from Shineton, he suggests, ‘‘it is possible that the locality may include some Tremadoc beds.” With this exception, geologists have regarded the rocks of the area under consideration as of Caradoc age. I shall endeavour to prove that the shales at Shineton are of Tremadoc age, and that a part of the so-called ‘‘ quartzite” between the shales and the Wrekin represents the Hollybush Sandstone of Malvern. The true quartzites are probably Pre-cambrian ; and the igneous chain of hills, from Lilleshall Hill through the Wrekin, the Lawley, Caer Caradoc, and on to the south-west, are clearly stratified, and underlie unconformably the Cambrian rocks. Lower Carapvoc Rocks. Mr. Salter noticed at Harnage and on Cound Brook certain shales containing Trinucleus concentricus, Haton, Beyrichia complicata, Salt.» Z 206 GEOLOGY OF SHROPSHIRE. Diplograpsus pristis, His., Orthis testudinaria, Dalm., and other Cambro- Silurian fossils; and as these shales are very similar in lithological characters to the shales at Shineton, and have the same general strike, both shales were lumped together by him as Lower Caradoc. This lithological resemblance is evidently the chief cause of the errors of the surveyors. On closer inspection, however, it is seen that the shale at Harnage contains a distinct fauna from the Shineton shales. The most abundant fossils of the Harnage shales, collected near Broomcroft and in the Harnage and Cound-Brook area, are T'’rinucleus concentricus, Eaton, Beyrichia complicata, Salt., Primitia bicornis, R. Jones, Orthis testudinaria, Dalm., Theca, several species of Lamellibranchs, Diplograpsus pristis, His., and Favosites fibrosus, Goldf. These are common Caradoc forms, and it is perfectly clear that the shales containing them are of Caradoc age. In no case are these fossils found in the same beds as those which contain the older fauna presently to be described. It is necessary to call attention to this point, as the Rev. J. D. La Touche, president of the Caradoc Field Club, in his annual address in February last, has suggested some criticism on my conclusions, basing it on a supposed admixture of the older and younger faunas. There are no signs whatever of such admixture. The Tremadoc fauna ends abruptly upwards; the Caradoc fauna ends abruptly downwards; and not a single distinctively Arenig or Llandeilo species has been found in the district. The Caradoc rocks of this area are much disturbed and faulted, and on Cound-Brook they are inverted, the older resting on the younger at a considerable angle, and, in one or two spots, Shineton shales are strangely wedged in between Harnage shales. Further details may be seen in my published paper (p. 656); but the Caradoc formation in South Shropshire deserves to be the subject of a separate memoir, recent observations having considerably modified some of the conclusions of Aveline and Salter. Tur SamNeToN SHALES. The locality where I first observed these shales is the spot near Shineton marked on the Geological Survey Map with an arrow dipping to the south-east at 50°. The rocks are there exposed in two good sections on the left bank of the stream. It is from these sections that most of the characteristic fossils have been obtained; and I have, there- fore, named the formation from this locality. 1.—Area.—These shales cover an area extending from near Evenwood, on the south-west, to within a mile of Wellington, on the north-east, a distance of eight miles. Their greatest breadth, from Shineton to Dryton, is about two miles; but where they range towards Wellington it is contracted almost to a point. The area is roughly triangular in shape, the apex of the triangle pointing to the north-east. Its north-west side is bounded by a fault or faults for probably its entire length, various formations from the Hollybush Sandstone to the Trias abutting against the shales. On the south-east side the triangle is covered in by intrusive Wasaltic rocks for one-third of its distance from the apex, and the remainder by the May Hill Sandstone. The base of the triangular area GEOLOGY OF SHROPSHIRE. 207 is limited by the Hoar Edge Grits, the lowest beds of the Caradoc. I have recently detected the shales in the hollow between the Lawley and Hoar Edge, on the south-east side of Caer Caradoc, and west of the Longmynd, at the base of the Stiper Stones. 2.—Lithological Characters.—The Shineton Shales are dark blue, weathering to olive and yellow, the colouring iron-oxide sometimes separating asa stain or film. They are micaceous, thin bedded, soft, and rather fissile. I have rarely had any difficulty in distinguishing them from the Harnage Shales, either in sitw or in hand specimens. 3.—Dip and Strike.—The general strike of the shales is about south- west, agreeing with the direction of the great fault and of the so-called igneous elevations of the district; but towards the south-west end of the area it bends round to the west, corresponding with the strike of the overlying Caradoc. The mean dip of the greater part of the shales is about 30° to the south-east; but in the lower part of the series, where they approach the fault, it becomes higher, then vertical, than dips steeply to the north-west, the evidence pointing towards the existence of an anticlinal. The thickness of the shales is probably not less than 1,500 feet. 4.—Stratigraphical Position—The Shineton Shales underlie the May Hill Sandstone unconformably; they are therefore older than that formation by an interval. They underlie the Caradoc, and are, of course, of greater antiquity. They overlie, probably unconformably, the Hollybush Sandstone. I shall endeavour to show that they are of Tremadoc age. (a.)—Evidence from Fossils.—Most of the Shineton forms are new specifically, and some of the genera are alsonew. The species which are of geological value are the following:—Conocoryphe monile, Salter. Conocoryphe proper is distinctive of Lower Cambrian rocks, and this species is truly typical of the genus. Olenus Salteri, Callaway, and O. triarthrus, Oall., new species of a genus which usually characterizes strata of the age of the Lingula Flags. Agnostus dux, Call., similar to certain St. David’s forms, (Menevian.) Lingulella Nicholsoni, Call., resembling L. lepis, a Tremadoc species.