NE APS Pe rie ae mm ee ’ : aia tetar A : iy Siraae shat J ’ abt ih tt sia ireetetat beth att nh nivestatata ataette oy ‘ * Hit ” aw POL in {beh wong Arte is Vs ‘ OMIA Me OE Pthebts betty atudet tetera cnet crtas baat} ) ; matt nt it ist : : LHe :. LN i teh > 1 (s ty ie EU Othe ichenatectel ais i" tri Mosel Malas i oh t Sth mala tet He este asco. rove te “ raga igeteh te } eebehrins ws an wat YW MOM 0) 38 Aue, 4} Teeve: sti ‘bahy Eeeal ( i “th he hel ‘ ; iy rae tae " x} te LPL Mant as bike nah eur bal att Nk! redabe ult th W ne 4 ra ite i pura enya hte ‘i > ‘ ane heheh: 1" " : anos Nt WME att ater bag bebe be my Seb SAS bg at be ; ys ja . 1 A hes a, rary 2 Ratt ryt Hiicictie coin UNL SOORI AHN TURN CH TERR SARE | FOR THE PEOPLE | | FOR EDVCATION | FOR SCIENCE LIBRARY OF THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | get NCE-COSSIR - AN ILLUSTRATED MONTHLY RECORD OF. INGA IU TR AUN ID (COUUIIN TI ol Quince EDITED BY JOEIN Sie © Aan Gale @iNi VOL. II1—NEW SERIES 1845 - 134 \~ Le LONDON : SIMPKIN MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & Co., LIMITED NaAssAU STEAM PRESS, LIMITED BERLIN: R. FrRIEDLANDER & SOHN, CARLSTRASSE II ““WE HAVE COME IN SEARCH OF TRUTH, TRYING WITH UNCERTAIN KEY DOOR BY DOOR OF MYSTERY.” —John G. Whittier, in “‘ The Prayer of Agassiz.” “TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE FORMS OF LIVING THINGS IS THE AIM WITH WHICH THE NATURALIST OF TO-DAY COMES TO HIS WORK. HOW HAVE LIVING THINGS BECOME WHAT THEY ARE, AND WHAT ARE THE LAWS WHICH GOVERN THEIR FORMS? THESE ARE THE QUESTIONS WHICH THE NATURALIST HAS SET HIMSELF TO ANSWER. “MANY OF THE PROBLEMS OF VARIATION ARE PRE-EMINENTLY SUITED FOR INVESTIGATION BY SIMPLE MEANS. IF WE ARE TO GET FURTHER WITH THESE PROBLEMS, IT WILL BE DONE, | TAKE IT, CHIEFLY BY STUDY OF THE COMMON FORMS OF LIFE. ANYONE CAN TAKE PART IN THIS CLASS OF WORK, THOUGH FEW DO.” has P a —William Bateson, in “ Study of Variation.” 1G -9 44 wy Our ANNUAL GREETING. Tt is with many apologies to our readers for the irregularities in publication of SciENCE-Gossip during the past year, that we close Volume II. of the New Series. The delays in issuing some of the monthly parts have been unavoidable. It would be as futile as disagreeable to make a long explanation of the delays; rather may we say that arrangements are now concluded for the rapid clearing off of arrears, and the future regular issue of the journal. One result of these unfortunate delays has been to find what a large and wide-spread interest is taken in our magazine; for we have had numerous enquiries from all parts of the world and frequent expressions of dismay in case anything should interrupt its appearance. We have to thank our numerous contributors who have sent, in such variety, the excellent material from which we have selected the communications that have appeared in the volume now closing. May we ask for a continuance of their support? Again we have to remind them of the value of short notes. Simple observations, when sent for insertion in our columns, often elicit important information from others, facts being placed on record which may later be correlated by a Darwin or a Huxley in some work that revolutionizes human thought. One of our leading biologists has recently discussed the decadence of amateur naturalists, suggesting that they are being ousted by the scientific student who confines his attentions to laboratory specimens. We understand from this discussion that the time is approaching when the lover of nature is to be as rare as the collector of specimens. With this opinion we entirely disagree. We believe that those who share this theory are simply out of touch with the increasingly great, but unobtrusive body who investigate natural objects in a state of nature. That there is a growing tendency among amateur students of natural history to follow their enquiries in a far more scientific manner than was formerly the custom, most people will allow. Method in observation is the desirable faculty to cultivate, and systematic investigation is now more generally conducted by amateurs than many people imagine. We have made these remarks because ScIENCE-Gossip has ever been the journal of the amateur. We will only add, with gratification, that during the past few months, quite casually and independently, two Fellows of the Royal Society occupying most important positions in the scientific world, each wrote to us, ‘“‘ My first taste for the study of Natural Science was acquired from the pages of SciENcE-Gossip.’”’ May many of our future readers be able to say the same words from similar eminence. JOHN @ CARRING TONE: CONTENTS. VOLUME II—NEW SERIES: Abbott, George, 167, 272 Absell, A., jun., 8z Amyot, T. E., 234 Anderson, E. D., 3, 50, 149 Armitt, Sophia, 120, 145, 254 Arnott, S., 272 Arrow, G. J., 201 Ashley, J. J., 248 Barber, Henry J., 54 Barber, Rev. Samuel, 51 Barbour, J. H., 52, 80, 234 Béchervaise, H. A., 207 Beer, Rudolf, F.L.S., 70 Bell, ie 13. 753 Bertram, Ge 19 Billups, T. R., Se Bing, F. G., 82 Binns, A., 109 Blakiston, C. H., 123 Blathwayt, Lieut. -Colonel, 26 Blundell, J., 167 Bowman, K., 248 Boycott, A. E., 82, 220, 304, 305 Bradley, D.. 139 Brain, Lewton J., 166, 167, 222, 306 Bretton, C. E., 209 Briggs, C. A., 83, 249 Briggs, H. Mead-, 22, 64, 156, 161, 194, 195, 278 . Briggs, T. H., 272 Briscoe, }| Testy Bryan, G. H.. F.R.S., 35, 47, 267 Bullen, Rev. R. AS 110, 249 Burton, J., 46, 53 122, 136, 192, Burtcn, WAG ay +, 194 194, 306, 326 Campbell, J. M., 138 Carrington, J. T., iii, 5, 6, 17, 18, 66, 75, 78, 77, 99, 104, 109, II0, 119, 129, 130, 131, 132, 138, 143, 148, 150, 155, 157, 163, 169, 17! 6, 178, 197, 206, 22), 245, 248, 249, 256, 268, 322, 327 Cates, E. P., 82 Chidwick, Robt. W , 80 Climenson, Mrs. E. J., 4, 35, 110, 179, 232, 314 Cockerell, T. D. A., 151 Cole, M. is 160 Cole, Prof. G. A. J., 253 Cook, A. E., 222 Cooke, i at Cooper, J. AY 327 Cooper, J.E ” 338, 329 Cooper, W. J., 60, 88 Corbet, A., 192 Crosbie, W., 276 Cross, M. J., 277 Crouch, C. H., 31 Crowther-Beynon, V. B., 34, 248 Dacie, J. C., 80, 108 Dallinger, Rev. Dr. W. H., F.R.S., 57 Davey, M. F., 137 Davison, C., M. A., F.G.S., 170 Dennis, A. W., 109 Dickson, Mrs., 53 Dow, W., 239 Druce, Mr., 16 Dymes, T. Alfred, 108 Eccles, J. C., 16 Elliott, E. J., 26 Enock, Fred., F.L.S., 89 Farrer, Captain W. J., 52 Ferguson, H. S., F.L.S., 116, 225 CONTRIBUTORS. Filer, F. E., 22 Flower, Lieut. S. S., 264, 289 Ford- Lindsay, H. W., 327 Fyfe, H. C., 52, 127, 164, Gain, W. A., 161, 172, 248 Gardiner, A. P., 272 Gatty, Rev. Reginald A., 36 Gibbings, Miss C. M., 21 Greening, S., 241 Gregory, R. ie 268 Grindrod, Mrs. K., 205, 258 Griset, Henry E., 136, 248 Guppy, Hy. B., 11, 42, 68, 171, 199 Harris, G. G., 137 Harrisson, F., 52, 132 Hawkins, R. L., 326 Hodgson, W., 137 Hogg, A. J., 261 Hooper, D., B.A., 164 Horsley, Rev. J. W., 249 Hulatt, A. J., 22 Hutchinson, Rev. H.N., F.G.S., 90 Jackson, A. B., 220, 222 Janson, Oliver J., 45 Jarrett, Miss Ne ., 110 Johnson, C., Jones, K. G. eastees 9 Jones, W. B., 96 Kane, W. F. de V., 204, 313 Kennard, Santer A , 39 Keegan, Dr. P. Q , 192 Knaggs, H. Guard, 282 Ladkin, S. A., 82 Lane, A. K., 82 Layard, E. L., C.M.G., 10, 54 Leighton, Thos., F.G.S., 61, 94 Lewton, 22 Ley, Rev. A., 16, 113 Lloyd, Ee B., 249 Lord, J. R er Lucas, Ww. Te *B. A., 40, 52, 192, 195 MacArthur, H., 222 Mann, Annie M., 82 Mansbridge, W.., 83, 173 Mansford, A. E., 3, 50, 149 Marefield, John R. B., 53 Marmery, J. Villin, 17 Marshall, Rev. E. S., F.L.S., 16 Martin, E. 1 ee 9 A 69, 137; 183, 325; 327 Martinelli, AG. 166 Maslen, Arthur J., 7 Maw, C. W.., 46, 81 Mayor, J. Beecham, 115, 295 McGregor, T. M., 11 McIntire, N. E., 166 Midgley, W. W.., 20, 128, 165 Mitchell, C. A., B.A., 309 Moore, H., 211, 285 Mosley, C., 164 Moss, A., 261 Neilson, G. B., 194 Newton, Professor, F.R.S., 1 Newton, W., 109 Nichols, G., 136 Nicholson, C., 55 Nicholson, W. A., 278 Nicholson, W. E., 174 Nowers, Geo., 137 Nunney, W. H. +; 109, 138, 194, 204, 257, 272 Oates, E. P., 82 Oldharn, C., 249 Ord, W. E., 117 Pearce, H., 137 Praeger, Lloyd R., B.A, 85 Prideaus, R. M., 37 Provis, F. J., 220, 327 Purchas, Rev. W.H., 141, 202, 236, 292, 320 Pyett, C. A., 263 Pym, J. T., 305 Quelch, W. P., 108, 110 Ransom, E., 125, 240 Rice, D. J., 167, 177 Rousselet, C. F., F.R.M.S., 29, 46, 326 Rowden, A. O., 136 Royal, W., 327 Rye, B. G., 192 Sauzé, H. A, 53 Sewell, A., 108 Shaw, J., 238, 249 Shepheard, T., 167 Sich, Frank, jun., 80 Sim, W., 22 Simpson, J., 305 Smith, A. C., 276 Smith, John, 32, 82 Stephenson, Isaac, 81 Stephenson, J., 21, 26, 81 Stevens, J., 309 Stewart, J. J., B.A., B.Sc., 260, 312 Stott, James, 22 Stuart, Major J., 21, 109 Suffolk, W. T., 46 Swan, H. K., 195 Tait, A. F., 73, 100 Teague, E. M., 137, 248 Teasdale, M. J., 164, 192, 249, 304 Temple, E. J., 108, ) 184, 198 Tomlinson, Jas., 8 Tuck, W. H., yer Turner, Edwin E., 44, 153, 222, 248 Ullyett, Hy,, 110 Varrand, W., 276 Waddell, C. H., 272 Wanklyn, J. A., 60, 88 Ward, Henry, a9 Warrand, W. E., Major-General R.E., 22 Watson, C. H., 180 Weaver, H., 325 Webb, J. C., 306, 326 Webb, W. M.. 227, 306 Welch, W., 109 West, W., 16 Wheldon, J. A., 284 Whittle, F. G., 52 Williams, C., 278 Wilson, W., 220 Winckworth, C. A., 118, 305, 306 Winder, Thos., 26, 194 Winstone, Flora, 20 Wiseman, C. Percival, 53 Zograf. Prof. N., 190 A Garden of Pleasure, 159 Abnormal Cabbage Leaf, 119 Abnormal Growth of Ash, 6 Abnormal Ox-Eye Daisy, 151 Abnormal Plantain, 178 Abnormal Primula, 99 Abnormal Strawberry, 150 Acorn Germinating, 147 Acorn, Sections of, 145 Algonquin National Park, 181 Allum Bay, Section, 05 Aquarium, Section of, 123 Ash in Summer Habit, 203 Ash in Winter Habit, 202 Atherfield to Blackgang, Section, 63 Aurora Display, 50 Beam, The, Lesser White, 113 Beech Tree in New Forest, 47 Binocular Zeiss Field Glass, 98 Binocular Zeiss Telescope, 98 Brazilian Motmot, 103 By Tangled Paths, 296 Camere, Chronophotographic, 242 Camera, open, 193 Catching Mussels, 185 Cell-Wall, 8 Centring Underfitting, 188 Corn Blue-Bottle, 43 Cotyledons, 172 Daisy, 42 Double Fruit of Orange, 31 Editor, Late. of ScIENCE-GOSSIP, 210 Eli Collins, Truffle Hunter, 187 Elm, Small-Leaved, 320, 321 Elm, Wych, 292, 293 Embryo, Section of Half, 146 Field Glass, folded, 212 Field-Glass, open, 212 Flight of Herons, 241 ABNORMAL ASH PLANT, 6 Abnormal Plants, 150, 178 Abnormal Primula, 99 Adactyla verrucosa, 30 “Eschna cyanea, 41 ZEschna grandis, 41 fEschna juncea, 41 ZEschna mixta, 41 Agriculture, Experimental, 124 Agrion puella, 42 Agrion pulchellum, 42 Alderfiy, Development of, 257 Alpine Plants, 254 Anax formosus, 41 Animals, Changing Habits of, 295 Aphelinine, Revision of, 231 Aquarium for Microscopic Life, 122 Aquatic Hymenopterous Insect, 89 Argon, Notes on, 60 Argon, The New Element, 5 Aria, Group of British Pyri, The, 113 Ascidia, Example of an, 119 ASTRONOMY, 25, 49, 77, 105, 133, 161, 189, 217, 245, 301, 325 Astrographic Chart, 161 “‘ Astrophysical Journal,” 25 Comets, Nature of, The, 25 Driving Clock, Improved, 325 Earth’s Rotation and Sleep, 301 Eclipse Committee, 105 Encke’s Comet, 25 Faye’s Comet, Return of, 217 Jupiter, 77 Mars, 77 CONTENTS. ILLUSTRATIONS. Flint Implements, 36, 37, 261, 262, 309, 310, 3II Fossil Pine, 20 “ Frena” Film-Holder, 3 figs., 126 Galvanometer Scale and Lamp, 233 Geology in Wee Cumbrae, 33 Himanthalia lorea, 215 Hydrometra stagnarum, 201 Hypnum fiicinum, 284 Incisors of Rat, 2 figs., 139 Isle ot Wight, Geological Sections, 63, 95 Limestone Boulder, 165 Limnea palustris, 39 Lithostyotion from Limestone, 128 Lunar Phenomenon, 327 Maple, Summer State, 239 Maple, Winter State, 239 Meltcerta ringens, X 100, 57, 59 Micro.-Photo Apparatus, 188 Microscope, New Pattern Student's, 188 Microscope, Student’s, 127 Molluscs, Sight in, 66, 67 Moncreitfe Museum, Perth, 12, 13 Moon, Rings round, 327 Mountain Limestone, 165 Mourne Mountains, 85, 87 Narina trogon, 102 Neolithic Remains, Surrey, 261, 262 Nest of Gadwall, 243 Nesting-Hole of Wryneck, 18 Oak Split by Frost, 51 Object-Holder, Adjustable, 277 Paraffin Bath, 160 Parrot, Portrait of a, 193 ARTICLES, NOLE Sim 2G: ASTRONOMY—continued. Mars, Atmosphere of, 25 Mars, Observation of, 133 Mercury, 77, 105, 133, 189, 245, 273 Meteors, 49, 105, 217, 301 Meteors, Shower of, 161, 245, 301 Moon, 25, 49, 77, 105, 133, 161, 189, 217, 245 Moon, Total Eclipse of, 25, 49 Mountain Sickness, 77 Nebular Theory, Notes on the, 273 Popular Astronomy, 189 Saturn, 49, 77, 105 Saturn’s Ring, 105 Scientific American, The, 133 Sinus Iridum, 217 Spectroscopic Astronomy, 105 Sun, 25, 49, 77, 105, 133, 161, 189, 217, 245, 301 Sun, Eclipse of, 301 Telescope, New Form of, 25 Uranus, 77 Venus, 49, 77, 105 Yerke’s Observatory, The, 189 Auk, Little, Visitation of, 1 Aurora Borealis, 51 BACTERIA AND FILTRATION, I24 Berlin Nat. Hist. Museum, 118 Bibliographical Bureau, 268 Binocular Telescopes, New Hand, 99 Biological Distribution, 175 Birds in long Frosts, 20 Pasteur, Louis, 197 Phaseolus multifiorus, 70 Pheasant, The, 158 Picris hieractoides, 44 Pinus Sylvestris, Abnormal, 281 Pigmy Flints, 36, 37 Plantago major, 178 Polynema natans, 89 Porphyritic Eurite in Ireland, 253 Pyrus minima, 113 Reinke’s Dredge, 214 Ring-net and Bottle, 326 Rocking Microtome, 228 Root-Nodule of Scarlet Runner, 71 Root Nodules of Red Clover, 70 Root-Nodules of Scarlet Runner, 7 Rotche, or Little Auk, 1 Scolopendrium vulgare, 270, 271 Sea-Birds’ Citadel, 19 Sedum telephium, 267 Sialis, Eggs of, 257 Spectra, Argon and Nitrogen, 5 Spherium corneum, 39 Splash of a Drop, 297, 298, 299 Skeleton of Casuarina, 234 Skeleton of Equisetum, 234 Sycamore, before Flowering State, 237 Sycamore, Summer State, 236 Sycamore, Winter State, 238 Syrian Rotifers, 29 Uninvited Guests, 157 Unio littoralis, from Crayford, 39 Vortex Ring, Birth of, 75 Wych Elm, 293 Wych Elm, Spray of, 292 Young Coots, 186 Books To READ, 17, 75, 102, 129, 157, 185 214, 241, 269, 296 Abstract Proceedings, South London Nat. Hist. Soc., 1894, 104 Annals of British Geology, 1893, 7 Astronomers and their Observations, 159 Birds, Beasts and Fishes of Norfolk Broadland, 130 Birds’ Calendar, 104 Bird Notes, 104 Birds of Wave and Woodland, 18 British and European Butterflies and Moths, 298 British Birds, 187 British Moths, 299 By Tangled Paths, 296 Cambridge Natural History, 269 Catalogue of Marine Mollusca o Japan, 242 Chats about British Birds, 322 Chemists and their Wonders, 159 Chess Openings, 160 Climates of Geological Past, 157 Collected Papers on Controverted Questions of Geology, 7 Consider the Heavens, 244 Country Pastimes for Boys, 185 Dictionary of Bathing Places and Climatic Resorts, 104 Earth-Knowledge, 244 Elementary Inorganic Chemistry 244 Elementary Physiology, 216 Fern Growing, 270 vi Booxs To ReEaD—continued. Field-Path Rambles, 104 Finger-Print Directories, 129 Food and its Functions, 244 Garden of Pleasure, 159 Guernsey Sotiety Nat. Science, 131 Half-Hours with Stars, 19 Handbook of British Macro-Lepi- doptera, 130, 186 Handbook of Grasses, 270 Heniooks to Birds of Great Britain, 2 Handbook to British Mammalia, 118 Handbook to Carnivora, 104 Handbook to Game-Birds, 158 Hidden Beauties of Nature, 244 Hints on Reflecting and Refracting Telescopes, 160 Historical and Future Eclipses, 323 History ot British Butterflies, 129 Horticulturist’s Rule Book, 130 Hymenoptera Aculeata of British Isles, 322 Ice-Work, Present and Past. 296 Insect Life, 300 International Naturalists’ Directory, 271 Introduction to Chemical Crystal- lography, 158 Introduction to Study of Fungi, 300 Introduction to Study of Rocks, 216 Introduction to Study of Seaweeds, 214 “Investigator,” Zoology of, 103 Journal of Royal Soc. of New South Wales, 244 Lens-Work for Amateurs, 102 Lepidoptera of the British Islands, roz Lessons in Elementary Physics, 160 Manual of Lithology, 322 Meteorology, 76 Methods of Art of Taxidermy, 129 Microbes and Disease Demons, 160 Microscopical Teachings, 216 Migration of British Birds, 131 Missouri Botanical Gardens. 186 Missouri Geological Survey, 322 Modern Microscopy, 269 Moon, The, 129 Monograph of L. and F. W. Mollusca of British Isles, 216 Movement, 241 Mycetozoa, Guide to, 271 Natural History of Aquatic Insects, 158 Nature in Acadie, 131 Nature versus Natural Selection, 186 Nature’s Story, 216 Notable Answers to One Thousand Questions, 185 Object Lessons in Botany, 131 On Phenomena belonging to last Glacial Period, 131 Our Country’s Butterflies and Moths, 323 Pheasant, The, 157 Planet Earth, The, 19 Popular Handbook to Microscope, 244 Popular Natural History for Boys and Girls, 19 Popular Treatise on Physiology of Plants, 19 Pre-Historic Man in Ayrshire, 300 Present Evolution of Man, 322 Primer of Evolution, 103 Primitive Man in Ontario, 103 Progress of Science, 17 Rambles in Alpine Valleys, 130 Royal Natural History, 102, 187 Short Studies in Nature Knowledge, 75 Simple Methods for Detecting Food Adulteration, 216 Splash of a Drop, 297 Story of Piece of Coal, 323 Story of the Plants, 129 Structure and Development of Mosses and Ferns, 243 Structure and Life of Birds, 130 Sweet-Scented Flowers and Fragrant Leaves, 76 Tit-Bits Guide to London, 186 Wayside and Woodland Blossoms, 75 What is Heat ? 75 Wild Nature Won by Kindness, 130 BOTANY, 16, 80, 108, 136, 164, 192, 220, 248, 304, 325 Abnormal! Plants, 248 Ampelopsis Fruiting, 192 CONTENTS. Botany—eontinued. Artificial Development of Flowers, 137 Arum maculatum with white spots, 80 Atrophy of Tree Branches, 325 Beech Foliage, Var. of, 137, 220, 248, 304 Botanical Exchange Club, 304 Botanical Field Clubs, 108 Botanical Chair at Cambridge, The, 203 Botanical Monstrosities, 44, 248 Botany, The Popularity of, 80 Botany near Liverpool, 284 Botany, Unanswered Questions in, 234 Brachionus bursarius, 31 Brachionus candatus, 31 Brachionus melhemi, 30 Brachionus obesus, 31 Brachionus pyriformis, 31 Brachytron pratense, 41 British Mosses, 192 Centaury, white var., 272, 325 Cohesion of Crabtree and Thorn, 220 Coltsfoot as a Weather Prophet, 16 Cuscuta euvopea in Sussex, 192 Development of Plants, 136 Dry-rot, 137 Effects of Frost, 325 Effect of Snow on Plants, 220 Epidermis and Cuticle, The, 136 Equisetum, Abnormal, 80 Euonymous japonica, Fruiting of, 16, 80, 108 Evening Primrose, Flowering of. 164 Exotic Trees at Dulwich, 304 Fasciated Asparagus, 136 Field Botanical Societies, 108 Flora of Berkshire, 16 Flora of Derbyshire, 304 Flora of Ireland, 16 Flora of Newfoundland, The, 164 Flowering, Second, of Sallow and Elder, 192 Forced Germination of Seed, 137, 164 Harmonious Colouring of Wild Flowers, 164, 192 Hawthorn Berries, Variety of, 248 Hteractum aurantiacum in Kent, 248 Impatiens fulva on the Thames, 136 Impatiens fulva in Surrey, 108 Impatiens fulva near Newbury, 220 Impatiens Noli-me-Tangeze, 80, 108 Ivy Seeds carried by Birds, 80 London Catalogue, 16 Mimulus Lutens, 192 Oak Seedling, An, 192 Pellia epiphylia, 136 Petunia Flower, Green, 137 Plant Life. Romance of, 136 Plants, Unusual Flowering, 304 Plants Under ‘Glass, 80 Pondweed, New Form, 304 Pyrus,British, new to Science, 16 Pyrus japonica, Fruiting, 305 Reed-Mace, Growth of, 164 Roses, New British, 16 Shrubs Killed by Frost, 108 She Oak, The, 304 Silene Nutans in Sussex, 248 Spring Season, The, 80 Stomata and Sunlight, 192 Vegetable Assimilation 80 Wild Hyacinths near London, 137 Butterfly Collecting in Canary Islands, 207 CaDDIs-WORMS AND DuCKWEED. II Calopieryx virgo, 4% Cambridge Natural History, The, 66 Cell-Walls, Structure and Growth of, 7 Chapters for Yeung Naturalists, 73, 100 Characteristic Branching of Forest Trees, I4I, 202, 236, 292, 320 Citrus aurantium, Double Fruit of, 31 Clausilias, Protective Colouration in British, 227 Collecting on Wheels, 285 Correspondence, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 224, 252 Cotyledons, Irregularity of, 171 Country Lorg, 20 Birds in Long Frosts, 20 Dana, Pror. J. D., DEATH oF, 72 Diamonds, Black, 288 Dragonflies, Preservation of Colours 204 Dragonflies in 1891, 40 EARTHQUAKES, CAUSE oF, 2£0 Echinus acutus in Scotland, 238 Elder-flowers, Variability of, 209 English Arboricultural Society’s Tran- sactions, The, 16 Entomological Notes, 21, 240 Eurite of Glasdrumman Port, The, 253 Evolution of the Eye, The, 127 Explosions in Electric Light Mains, 88 Exchanges, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 168, 196, 224, 252, 280, 308, 330 FASCINATION BY SNAKES, 116 Fauna and Flora of Ireland, 10 Field-glass, A Portable, 212 Flint Implements, 36, 261, 309 Floscularia brachyura, 30 F orest of Frankfort, The, 127 “Frena ” Film-holder, The, 126 Frost, Effects of, 325 Frosts, Great, of the Century, 3 Fungi, Wheeler’s Drawings of, 324 GALL FoRMATION, 120 Galvanometer Scale and Lamp, 233 Garden in Siam, A, 205. 258 Geographical Congress, The, 182 GEOLOGY, 17, 81, 166 Aturia ziczac in Suffolk, 166 Dendrites and Oldhamia, 17 Early Man in Britain, 8: Eurite of Glasdrumman Port, 253 Fossil Bacteria, 17 Geologists’ Association, 42 Geology of the Isle of Wight, 61, 94 Iguanodon at Kensington, 166 Neolithic Remains in Kent, 81 Section of Chalk at Croydon, 17, 81 Gilbert White’s House, 48, Gilbert White’s MS., Sale of, 69 Ginger-beer Plant, 35 Giraffe at the Zoo, 44 Goat Moth, The, 126 Hatr-WorMs AND HOSTS, 211 Helix hispida, Reversed, 233 Hezarthra polyptera, 3% Horse’s Foot, The, 97 Human Remains, 313 Hydrometra stagnarum., Habits, 201 In MEMORIAM, 132, 163, 221, 250 Babington, Charles C., F.R.S., 163 Baillon, Ernest H., 163 Ball, Valentine, Dr., F.R.S., 132 Brown, Robert, Dr., F.L.S., 221 Deby, J., 163 Dobson, Surgeon-Major, 246 Eaton, Prof. Daniel C., 163 Hind, Dr. John Russell, F.R.S., 273 Huxley, Right Hon. T. H., 163 Kitton, Frederick, 221 Lovén, Prof S. Louis, 190 Macmillan, Alexander, 302 Moore, Henry, R.A., 134 Pasteur, Louis, 197 Riley, Prof. Charles P., 221 Seebohm, Henry, 250 Sporer, Prof. G. F. W.. 165 Stapff, Dr. F. M., 218 Taylor, John E., 210 Tugwell, W. H., 221 Williamson, Dr. W. C., 134 JERSEY BIOLOGICAL STATION, 259 Jumping Seeds of S. Atrica, 155 LAND-SHELLS, 5-BANDED, LIST OF, 324 Larva ? What is a, 282 Lepidoptera in Epping Forest, 173 Lepidoptera in Suffolk, 263 Lepidoptera, Sale of British, 45 Lepidoptera, Notes on, in 1894, 37 Lepidopterology, The New, 229, 256 Lestes spousa, 41 Libellula quadvimaculata, 40 Liverpool Marine Biology, 265 Lobworms, Labour of, 170 Lodgers in a Pond, 73, 100 London, Site of, 313 Mavay PENINSULA, In, 264, 289 Maple, The, 237 Marine Biology at Plymouth, 45 Melicerta Ringens, Note on 57 METEOROLOGICAL, 50, 132 Aurora, 51 Notes, 50 Rainfall in London, 132 Thunderstorm of May, 132 Trees Split by Frost, 51 Meteorology, International, 149 Microscope, A Student's, 127 Microscopy, 21, 46, 81, 109, 137, 160, 188, 276, 306, 326 Caoutchouc Cement, Miller’s, 326 Cauthocamptus minutus, 81 Centring Underfitting, New, 188 Codfish, Sections of Eye, 81 Codfish, Crystalline Lens, 137 Conochilus volvox, 109 Deutzia, Incinerated Leaf of, 137 Eye of Beetle for Multiple Image, 188 Fresh-water Algz, Study of, 326 High Magnification, 276 Hydra, What becomes of, 268, 276 Leeches, Interesting, 306 Marine Glue, 276, 326 Melicerta, Adaptation in, 21 Micro-Botany in Norfolk, 306 Micro-Organisms of Sewage, 21 Micro-Organisms, Mounting Delicate, 21, 46 Micro-Photography, 188 Microscopic Object, Interesting, 306 Microscopical Society, Royal. 21 Microscopy, Questions on, 276 Microtome, Adjunct to, 277 Microtome, An Improved, 228 Mildew in Slides, 276 Nymphon gracilis, 306 Paraffin Bath, Inexpensive, 160 Polynema natans in August, 276 Pond Life under Ice, 306 Seasonable Objects, 326 Sea-Weeds, Preserving, 21 Symbiosis and the Microscope, 306, 326 Vegetable Sections, 21, 46, 81, 109 Vorticellidans on Daphnia pubex, 137 Xanthidia in Flint, 46 Mineralogy, 176 Moncriefte Memorial Museum, 11 Mourne Mountains, The, 85 NATURAL History EXHIBITION, 15, 213 Natural History at Penarth, 315 Natural History Society, Transactions, 16 Neolith's Haunt, A, 261 Nettle-Taps and Crocus Flowers, 206 New British Moth, 226 New F.R.S., 93 New Lepidopterology, 229 Newspaper Natural History, 138, 291 Night-Jar, Habits of, 177 Noble Sanctuary, A, 180 North Sea Trawl Fishery, 148 NOTES AND QUERIES, 26, 53, 82, 109 138, 166, 194, 222, 249, 272, 305, 327 Abnormal Goldfish, 327 American Zygenide, 194 Animal Hairs, 26 Animal Intelligence, 167 Autumnal Flowering, 222 Bats, Habits of, 272 Bees, Memory of, 272 Biology in Essex, 109 Bird-Notes, 194 Blow-Fly, Anatomy of, 249 Booth Museum of Birds, 327 Caddis Worms, 109, 138 Caddis Worms, Curious Behaviour, 82 Chaffinch and Hedge-Sparrow in same Nest, 249 Chalk Rock in Herts, 166 Clausilia, Cryptic Colouration in, 305 Clouded Yellow Butterflies, 138 Clouded Yellow Butterfly, Late, 249 Coleoptera of Gloucestershire, 53 Colonising British Insects, 327 Coloured Plates, 167 Common Centaury, White Variety, 272, Glasgow, 325 Dendritic Crystals, Recent, 109 Diptera Collecting, 82 Dry-rot, 194 Echinus norvegicus in Scottish Seas, 305 Edible Fungi in Winter, 272 Exchanging Birds in Flesh, 53 Fish, Suspended Animation, 222 Fishes, Shower of, 194 Frost, The Late, 82 CONTENTS: NOTES AND QuUERIES—continued. Fungoid Potato Disease, 166 Geology at New Thames Tunnel, 138 Ginger-beer Plant, 26 Growth of Rats’ Teeth, 139 Helix nemoralis as Ornament, 109, 138, House-Martins in Shetland, 222 Kingfisher, Nest of, 249 Lacerta agilis, Extending Range, 305 Land Shells, Local, in Kent, 249 Lightning, Unusual Sound from, 249 Luminosity in Animals, 167 Luminous centipede, 82 Lunar Phenomenon, 327 Marine Aquarium, 167, 194 Mollusca of Cheshire, 249 Molluscs, Notes on Land, 249 Moss Exchange Club, 272 Names Wanted, 26 Natural History Exhibition, 194 Notes from Norfolk, 222 Panchlora Madere in London, 249 Partridge, Sudden Death, 194 Pigmy Flints, 82 Plantago major, Abnormal, 272 Preservation of Fungus Spores, 327 Pseudo-Albino Sparrows, 53 Reptiles in Captivity, 54 Rook Stealing Chicken, 109 Sabine’s Gull in Yorkshire, 222 Sedge-warbler, Nesting-places, 249 Shells, Preservation, Colours of, 82 Snail Shell, Formation of, 194 Spider Crabs, 305 Splash of a Drop, 327 Spruce Fir, Rapid Growth, 167 Symbiosis, Plants and Animals, 26 Valvata piscinalis, a Spinner, 82 Volvox in Horse-trough, 222 Water Boatmen, 272 Winter Exhibitions, 167, 272 Woodpeckers near London, 327 Woodpigeons in London, 109 Notes of Home Naturalist, 4, 35, 179, 232, PP, ies ' Notholea ontentalis, 30 Notops macrourus, 30 Notice to Correspondents, 28, 56, 84, 112, 140, 168, 196, 224, 252, 280, 308, 330 Oak SEEDLING, AN, 145 Obituary (see In Memoriam) Oecistes syviacus, 30 Orthetrum cerulescens, 40 Orchids, Collecting stopped, 324 Oscillatoria in Hot Water, 294 Our Annual Greeting, iii. PARTRIDGES, 238 Perthshire Society, Natural Science, 11 Pigmy Flints, 36 PHOTOGRAPHY, 20, 47, 128, 165, 193 Amateur Photographers, 165 Camera in Forest, 47 Exhibition of Photography, 47 Foraminiferz in Mountain Limestone, 165 Fossil Pine, 20 Moving Pictures, 324 Photography for Naturalists, 193 Photography in Colours, 128 Photography by X-rays, 274, 324 Sections from Mountain Limestone, 128 Stenopaic Photography, 193 Plant Products, Substitutes for, 117 Plants, Growth of, in Press, 267 Plants in Sierra Nevada, 175 Plants of Black Pond, 199 Plants, Stations, and Buoyancy of Seeds, Platetrum depressum, 40 Pleistocene Mollusca of Crayford, 39 Prehistoric Human Remains, 313 Preservation, Fauna and Flora, 169 Primula, Abnormal, 99 Protection of Birds at Epping, ro1 Pseudo-Albino Sparrows, 9 Pyrrhosoma minium, 42 Pyrvrhosoma tenellum, 42 UnusuaL NESTING OF, Rassit, Curious DEATH, 34 Rain, Black, in Ireland, 294 vil Rambles on Highland Peak, 123 Reports of Two Societies, 16 Root-nodules of Plants, 70 Rotche or Little Auk, Visitations of, 1 Rotifer forficatus, 30 Rotifers, Syrian, 2 SCALE INSECTS, 151 SCIENCE ABROAD. 24, 49, 79, 107, 135, 162, I9I, 219, 247, 275, 303, 328 Academ. Nat. Science: Philadelphia, 219, 275 American Journal Pharmacy, 79 American Philosophical Society, 135 Annaes de Sciencias Naturaes, 303 Bolletino Musei. Zool. Torino, 303, 328 Bulletin, Botan. Depart., Jamaica, 24 Bulietin L’Académie Impériale, 303 Bulletin Mus. d’Hist. Nat., 107 Bulletin Soc. Indust. de Mulhouse, 191 Bulletin Société Philomatique, 219, 328 Bulletin Soc. Royale Linnéene de Bruxelles, 219, 275 Bulletin Société Zoologique de France, 275, 303, 328 Canadian Entomologist, 24, 79, 135, 219, 247 Contributions to Queensland Flora, 247 Cosmos, 162, 191 Feuilles des Jeunes Nat., 219, 247, 275, 303, 328 Insect Life, 135 L’Academie de France, 107 L’Aerophile, 191 La Nature, 24, 49, 107, 135, 162, 191 L’Eclairage Electrique, 191 Moniteur Scientifique, The, 162 Museum, The, 79, 275 N. York Micro. Soc., 191 Natur und Haus, 328 Nature Novitates, 135 Naturalista Siciliano, 303 New Science Review, 107 Open Court, 79 Popular Science, 247 Popular Science Monthly, 79 Portland Soc. Nat. Hist., 219 Reports, Exp. in Entomology, 135 Revue Biolog. du N. France, 328 Revue Scientifique, 107 Royal Soc. of Queensland, 219 Ruschenberger, W.S.W., 275 Science, 49 Trinidad Field Nat. Club, 24, 191, 219 Victorian Naturalist, The, 247 ScIENCE-GOSSIP, 23, 48, 78, 106, 134, 162, 1g0, 218, 246, 274, 324 Animals in Mitchelstown Cave, 23 Ascelepiad, The, 23 Atmospheric Electricity, 78 Auto-mobile carriages, 218 Beach, Alfred E., Death of, 302 Cylindrograph, The, 106 Eggs on Spurn Point, 78 Emily E. Johnson, Cruise of, 78 Entomologists’ Record, 48 Greenland Shark off Scotland, 106 Horseless Age, The, 302 House-Sparrows in Winnipeg, 78 Irone, 134 Liquefaction of Gases, 106 Manchester Museum, 302 Nyssta lapponaria, 78 Ornithologist, The, 274 Physical Phenomena of Atmosphere, 134 Polyporus Tablets, 162 Proceedings of the Liverpool Geologi- cal Society, 23 Putortus hibernicus, 78 Royal Society, Presidency of, 134 Stratiomyiidx, Larve of, 218 Symons’ Meteorological Journal, 23 University of America, 48 Sedge-Warbler, Nesting-places of, 156 Selborne Society Field Clnb, The, 183 Serpents’ Fangs, 225 She Oak, The, 234 Site of London, 312 Sole, Spawning of Common, 212 Spiders, Habits of, 115 Spring Flowers, First Appearance, 153 Sundew and Ants, 198 Sycamore, The, 236 Sympetrum scoticum, 41 Sympetrum vulgatum, 40 vill CONTENTS. ZooLoGy—continued Centipede, Luminous, r10 Chough, Cornish, 83 Trees Split by Frost, 51 TayLor, JOHN ELLOor, 210 Tunbridge Wells Congress, 283 Thinning Epping Forest, 99 TRANSACTIONS, 27, 54, 83, III, 139, 168, ee eeceenrs 195, 223. 250, 278, 307, 329 Accrington Naturalists’ Soc., 196 City London Ent. and Nat. Hist. Soc., 54, 168, 196, 223, 250, 307, 329 Conchological Soc., 329 Greenock Nat. Hist. Soc., 223, 279 Nat. Hist. Soc., Glasgow, 111, 224, 252, 279 Norfolk and Norwich Nat. Soc., 27, 55, 83, 139, 252, 280 North Staffordshire Nat. Field Club, 84, III, 251 Philosophical Soc. of Great Britain, Tit Royal Institution, 83 Royal Meteorological Soc., 27, 54, 83, III, 139, 278, 307; 329 Society for Protection of Birds, 28 South London Nat. Hist. Soc., 27, 55, III, 168, 195, 223, 251; 278, 307, 329 Victoria Institute, 330 Tree Branches, Atrophy of, 281,325 VALUE OF A Hossy, 143 Value of Specimens, 69, 126 WEE CUMBRAE, 32 Wild Birds Protection Acts, 316 Winter in Hebrides, 96 Whitening of Hairs and Feathers, 64 Work of a Scientific Society, 90 ZOOLOGY, 22, 52, 83, I10, 161, 195 241, 278 Animals, Courting of, 53 Aquaria and Frost, 52 Auk, Little, in Scotland, 22 Bat Flying in Daytime, 110 Beetle, New British, 195 Birds, Curious Nesting, 161 Birds in Firth of Forth, 278 Bird Notes from Canterbury, 22 Butterflies, Early, 52 Butterflies, Rare, in Kent, 195 Buzzard, Rough-Legged, near Warring- ton, 241 Crake, Spotted, in Argyll, 278 Cuckoo, Note of Female, 161 Cuckoo’s Eggs, 161 Dragonflies Captured by Sundew, 195 Evebia epsphron in Ireland, 52 Golden Eagle in Kent, 278 Gulls in London, 22, 52 Hairworms, 241 Hares, White Irish, 22 Helices, Winter Habits, 278 Hepialus hectus, Early, 110 Lepidoptera, Rare, in Essex, 52 Locusts in London, 53, 83 Mild December, A, 22 Mollusca, Mortality by Frost, 5 Planorbis nautileus in Surrey, 5 Sallows in Yorkshire, 83 Sedge-Warbler, Nesting of, 195 Stone Curlews in Kent, 278 Testacella haliotidea in Kent, 110 Warning Colours and Mimicry, 52 Wasps, Abundance of, 110 2 Zz NASSAU STEAM PRESS, LIMITED, 60, ST. MARTIN’S LANE, LONBON, W.C. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. ViIStUalONS OF THE KROLTCHE OR Pree AWIs, By ProFessor NEwrTon, F.R.S. jae the many puzzles which await further elucidation at the hands of ornithologists, and especially the ornithologists of this country, is that of the winter-resort of the millions of birds of the family Alcide, which have their summer home on the cliffs of some of the British islands and of Arctic lands so far as man is yet known to have Spitzbergen, whether they be regarded as local races or good species, have never, to our knowledge, suffered death within British jurisdiction. The Guillemot of Spitzbergen, which commonly bears the name of the Danish zoologist, Briinnich (who, twenty years before our own Pennant, first gave a connected account of northern ornithology) has penetrated. The species are few in number, but long been accounted a ‘ British bird,” though on the indi- very insuf- viduals ficient are count- testimony, less, tho’ and the they seem evidence to escape of its oc- the notice currence of those on the people shores of who occu- the Euro- py their pean Con- business tinent is on the almost as great wa- slight, ters, and S pit zber- not only gen and are re- Greenland cords of are the the obser- chief a- vation of bodes’ of these birds alee Steaua on the smaller high seas species of almost the fami- wholly ly — the Ns ae Tue Rorcne or Litre Auk. (After Bewick.) Eel passage in to all who Audubon's ‘Ornithological Biography "' (iv. p. 304) is the only one I can call to mind at this moment—but I have in vain questioned intelligent men, who have often crossed the Atlantic from October to March, for information on the subject. Setting aside the Dovekeys, Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins which frequent our own coasts, we may here consider the case of the kindred forms which inhabit higher barren latitudes.» The Dovekey and Puffin of Marcu, 1895.—No., 13, Vol. II, have visited the Arctic seas, and not unknown to the English reader byits book-name of the “‘ Little Auk,”’ the Alca alle of Linnzus and Mergulus alle of most modern authors. No bigger than the Dabchick of our ponds, not a year passes without this little bird (which may be found well described in standard works, such as that of Yarrell or of Mr. Dresser) paying a visit—inadvertently we may be almost sure—to some part or other of Great Britain, and 2 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. especially to the eastern side of England, while it occasionally appears in Ireland. Very frequently half-a-dozen or more may thus occur. Sometimes they are found washed up by the tide; sometimes they are seen from a fishing-boat or a pier-head and are knocked over by the boys with a gaff ora ' stone; sometimes they are picked up many miles inland, on a ploughed field or a turnpike road, ina sheep-trough or a coal-cellar, or some equally incon- gruous place, where they have dropped exhausted, and in almost every case, if they be still alive, death soon follows their capture, even when, as now and then happens, the captor has spared or tried to save the life of his captive. This may be considered the regular state of things, but it is marked by the greatest irregularity, not only as to season of the year, but as to the number of occurrences, and at present it is generally impossible to correlate either season or number with the con- ditions of the weather—the weather, that is to say, as we have it here, for one can hardly doubt that these unhappy birds are the victims of meteorological influence at some greater or less distance from our shores. Like other extant Alcidz they are strong on the wing, and of fairly rapid flight, so that they are by no means so much the sport of the winds as many people are apt to believe, though they may well be unable to contend long against a ‘‘whole gale.” It seems far more likely that the effect of storms upon them is indirect, yet just as serious. These birds gather their food, consisting chiefly of small Crustacea, by diving, and it is obvious that their powers of submergence must have a limit. Now it is well- known that when the sea is running ‘‘ mountains high,” its ordinary inhabitants descend to depths below that to which the agitation of the water extends, and it is quite conceivable that those depths are beyond the reach of the birds which descend from the surface to pursue and feed on the other marine animals. The birds have therefore to seek their living elsewhere, and thus become wanderers. I think someone has suggested that it is extreme cold which drive the Rotches to our shores, but that can hardly be the reason, since examples have not infrequently occurred in the warmer months of the year, and, until the last few weeks, the most numerous visitation known tock place at the end of October, so that a low temperature could not account for it. This was in the year 1841, and, when we consider the compara- tive paucity of observers and natural-history journals more than fifty years ago, and also that it had not then become customary for the village ‘‘ taxider- mist,’’ where such existed, to record in the local newspaper every strange bird that came into his hands, it seems quite possible that the visitation of that autumn may have been on as great a scale as that of the present winter. It was first observed in the north of England, and to Yarrell word was sent by Dr. Edward Clarke, of Hartlepcol, that after a violent storm, which had lasted for several days, his attention was called to flocks of birds, till then unknown to the pilots and fishermen. There were several hundreds of them, and five or six were killed at a shot, whenthey proved to be Little Auks. The same thing happened at the same time at Redcar, and Yarrell heard of others obtained all along the east coast to Sussex. A great many were taken at Great Yarmouth (‘‘ Zoologist,’’ p. 182). Some found their way to the London market, and at least two met their death in Hertfordshire, while Strickland recorded (‘‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History,” viii., pp. 317, 318, 395) six taken in Warwickshire and three in Salop. They occurred also, says Thompson (‘‘ Natural History of Ireland,” iii., p. 218), even in the very middle of the sister island. But perhaps the most curious fact connected with this visitation is that the survivors of it were seen a little later by John Hancock (‘‘Natural MHistory Transactions of Northumberland and Durham,” vi., p. 164) in the act of returning northward, continuing to pass along the coast in detached flocks for several days, and paying a heavy ‘death duty” as they went their way, for no fewer than twenty-six were received by him alone. It is too early yet to give details of the recent visitation. It seems to have been first noticed in Scotland, and to have exceeded in magnitude any before chronicled; but by the middle of January the Yorkshire coast was strewn with dead Rotches, and I am informed that 130 had been noted by one Scarborough naturalist, Mr. W. J. Clarke, who, a few days later, saw at least 200 on the wingat once. These, mounting over the cliff, disappeared inland; and then for four hours he watched company after company, numbering from four or five to fifty or sixty, fly southward while ‘‘ the sea was also full of them.’’ For the same space of time, so I learn from Dr. Hewetson, of Leeds, a gunner on Filey Brigg saw an unceasing stream of these birds pass southward. Similar ob-ervations were made in Lincolnshire, and in Norfolk upwards of 250 are known to have met their death. Accounts from other parts are yet to come, but there is no doubt about what they wil! tell, and the number of observers is now so great that we may rely on obtaining a pretty accurate knowledge of the extent of their movements. The “wreck chart,” that is sure to be prepared, will be looked for with interest. Whether it will throw any light on the hitherto unsolved problem of the ordinary winter-resort of this and kindred species, is more than I dare to predict. Let us hope that it may, and that this vast and apparently useless loss of life may not have been wholly unserviceable. Magdelene College, Cambridge ; 14th February’, 1895. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. GREAT FROSTS OF THES GCENTURY. By E. D. ANDERSON and A. E. MANSForRD. Re recent frost is exceptionally interesting from having occurred so late in the season, such a spell of continuous cold rarely happening in February. It may be considered to have commenced on January 22nd, and continued for twenty-eight days. One or two slight thaws took place in the day-time, but the mean tempera- ture at Greenwich for the period was about 27° F., and the mean of the lowest night temperatures 21° F., or 11° of frost. On nine consecutive nights a minimum of 20° F. or under was recorded. The mean of the day temperatures in the great frost of 1890-1 was about 1° higher; and the mean of the night temperatures 4° higher, and none of the frosts of the present century have had a lower mean night reading than the frost of January and February, 1895. Many low readings are reported from the various stations in the British Isles; among them are: Holyhead, 17° F.; Donaghadee, 16° F.; Liverpool, 12° F.; Oxford, 7° F.; Greenwich, 6:9° F.; Cam- bridge and Aberdeen, 6° F.; York, 3° F.; Wick, 2° F.; Durham and Brookeborough, minus 2° F. ; Glenglee and Loughborough, minus 5° F.; Stam- ford, minus 8° F.; Braemar, minus 12° F., or 44° of frost. Very low temperatures are frequently quoted by individual observers, but they should be accepted with great caution, as not only may the instrument used be defective, but also its position and environment materially affect the reading. To ensure accuracy it is essential for a duly-tested thermometer to be placed in the open in a properly constructed screen, which should be about four feet from the ground, and so arranged that when ever the sun is shining its rays may reach it without the intervention of any vegetation or building. The varying influence of position on temperatures recorded may be exemplified by the following comparison of readings taken at Tulse Hill (London, S.W.). in the screen 20° F., on the snow 17° Feb. 6th, g p.m. yy midnight a To tele! chery 7k. Feb. 7th, 1.30 a.m. ” ” rae 21 8p ” ” a 1 (lowest guring | 8° F. i ; 4° F. » 9 (early morning J ” ro : The lowest reading on the snow at Tulse Hill was o° F. on February 8th, when in the screen the thermometer registered 6° F. On the Continent, also, intense cold has been experienced. Among the reports forwarded are: Berlin, 7° F.; Lyons, 6° F.; Paris, 5° F.; Munich, 1° F.; Brussels, 0° F.; and Moscow, minus 18° F. The above low temperatures are, however, far from equalling the record of Verkoyansk, in north-east B Siberia (Lat. 67° 34’, Long. 153° 31’), where, although only 164 feet above sea-level, in February, 1892, was registered minus 93°6°, or 125'6 degrees of frost. The lowest known reading in the United Kingdom was experienced in December, 1879, at Blackadder in Berwickshire, minus 23° F., or 55 degrees below freezing-point being recorded. Snow crystals of exceptional size and beauty were remarked in London during the last week in January, 1895, and there were considerable falls of snow in Ireland and Scotland. The greatest snowstorm known in the Lake District during the present generation took place on February 5th, and on the same day the fall in the Isle of Man was exceptionally heavy. The most noticeable of the frosts of the present century, with their mean and minimum tempera- tures in London, are as under : 1813-14, December 26th to February 5th, forty-two days ; the mean temperature for that period being 27°3° F., and the lowest temperature recorded 8° F, A week of unusually dense fog preceded the frost, which then set in with such severity that a fair was held on the Thames, which lasted six or seven days ; several printing-presses were erected on the ice, and shilling donkey-rides, skittles, and dancing were among the amusements indulged in. There are records of the Thames having been frozen over in Roman and Saxon times, as well as during the winters of 1150, 1281, 1434, 1515, 1564, 1608, 1620, 1634, 1683, 1715, 1739, and 1789, and it is supposed that the reason it has not happened since 1813-14 is that owing to the removal of old London Bridge, the narrow arches of which prevented the ice-floes from being carried out to sea, the so-called ‘scour "’ of the river is much increased, rendering it difficult for the ice to form into a continuous mass. 1838, January 5th to February 23rd, fifty days, mean temperature 28°9° F. minimum, minus 4° F. The burning of the second Royal Exchange took place during this frost, which was so intense that the fire-hose was found to be frozen, and when at length the Fire Brigade did get all into work- ing order, as soon as they ceased to play on any part of the building huge icicles were speedily formed. 1855, January roth to February 25th, forty-seven days, mean temperature 29°7° F., minimum 111° F. This frost is generally known as the ‘ Crimean winter,’ it having extended to the Continent and entailed severe suffering amongst our troops then in Russia. 1860-61, December 15th to January roth, thirty-six days, mean temperature 299° F., minimum 8° F. ? 4 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. Temperatures several degrees below zero were registered in many parts of England. 1879, November 14th to December 27th, forty-four days, mean temperature 31° F., minimum 13°7°. 1881, January 7th to 26th, twenty days, mean temperature 27° F., minimum 12°7°. It is re- markable that this mean is the same as for the present year’s frost as calculated up to February 15th. Minus 4° F., was recorded at Wick, and minus 7.5° F. at St. Michael’s-on-Wyre, Garstang: Lancashire. At the close of this frost a severe easterly gale and an exceptionally heavy fall ot snow occurred over the south of England. 1890-1, November 25th to January 22nd, fifty-nine days, mean temperature 39.3°, minimum 12° F- This frost was not only the longest of the present century but was also very severe in England, in many parts of which the thermometer reached zero. In Ireland and Scotland, however, the weather was much milder. It has been observed that the spring and summer months succeeding these prolonged frosts have generally been fairly dry, though not perhaps exceptionally warm. Hitherto no periodicity has been remarked in the recurrence of prolonged frosts, nor has any satisfactory explanation been suggested to account for their visitation. Though many deaths have been traced to the recent severity of the weather, yet the death-rate has been considerably lower than in the frost of 1891, when in London it ran up to 29’7, or in that of 1880, when it reached 46:7. During the first week of the present frost the Registrar General’s returns gave 176, the second week ig, and the third 21. The unusual amount of sunshine and the absence of damps, have probably contributed largely to this satisfactory result. Many hundreds of our song- birds have, however, succumbed to the effects of the frost; numbers of sea-gulls have taken refuge inland, some arctic birds have been observed in Lincoln- shire, a seal was seen on the ice in Morecambe Bay, and about a hundred little auks were picked up on the shore at Filey in a very exhausted condition. On the Continent the plains of Piedmont have been invaded by hordes of wolves, which have killed many of the villagers, whilst at Tenda the Alpine troops have been told off to wage war against these ravenous beasts. In the London parks the ice has been unusually thick, on February 15th measuring at Finsbury Park nearly eleven inches, and on the Serpentine about six inches, at a later date it exceeded nine inches, that thickness having been only once previously attained since 1881. Thestrength of the jce on the Serpentine was effectively demonstrated on February 13th, when 600 Grenadier Guardsmen marched across it with their band. February 21st, 1895. NOTES OF A HOME NATURALIST. iy the second week in December, 1894, I took a glass jam-jar, some eight inches high, and dipped it nearly full of water from an old fish-stew at Shiplake Court, close to where I live. This fish- stew is always a favourite preserve for me, as a dip invariably brings up life in some form to be found in its stagnant waters. With a small hand-net I dipped for a weed or so, the result was I picked up some apparently dead pieces of Ceratophyllum demersum (or horn-weed). These pieces were like brown oval lumps, devoid of all apparent life, a few pieces of Lemnia polyrhiza, or greater duckweed, and Lemnia trisulca, or ivy-leafed duckweed, two tiny water snails (Lymnea peregra), one gyrinating water- beetle, one water-louse (A sellus aquaticus), and a pale- coloured nematode, and a leech. The bottle con- tained also Daphnia shefferri (tailed water-fleas), and Cyclops quadricornis, in the water dipped. At first I kept the bottle in a room without a fire; now, for three weeks, in my drawing-room, in which is a daily fire. It has been an endless amusement in dull days to look at ; at the moment I am writing this, February 3rd, 1895, the horn-weed, far from being brown, has shot out into the most vivid green lovely plants, the largest oval brown “‘lump”’ is over five inches long, the smaller ones all in lovely foliage. Probably from the folds of the weed, there have been born, since I fished, at least three nematodes—one with a sort of barley-sugar-coloured jointed body and a round excrescence at head—two pale white leeches or nematodes (I do not know which to name them), three cadises—two of Phryganea grandis in their curious leaf-cases, one of Limnophilus rhombicus —which grow daily. They are most diligent in adorning their cases with weed, etc. The water- fleas (Daphnia and Cyclops, or vaulters), are im- mensely grown, and seem to have produced and multiplied, considering the animated specks I see flying every way. The Cyclops, with their curious hanging egg-bags, are very funny. Sometimes the egg-sacs are both colourless, then full and dark, then one will be shed and the other still be dark, and then again both will be void, or entirely disappeared. Fond as I am of aquaria, I never have kept them in winter. As I leave home every summer for some time, I empty the contents of my bottles back into their own habitats before leaving. If I could only persuade others to take a glass jam-bottle and fill it in a similar way I think they might find endless amusement and diversion for a dull five minutes in this hard, cold winter, when the home naturalist almost despairs of find- ing material for study. My bottle is become a “thing of beauty,” and an endless amusement in watching its different inhabitants. (Mrs.) Emiry J. CLIMENSON. Shiplake Vicarage, Oxon. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. aa ARGON, THE “|~HE year 1894 will go down to posterity as marked by one of the greatest of scientific discoveries. During several years past the Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, F.R.S., has been occupied with a series of intricate investigations of various gases and their physical measurements. For some time he has been puzzled by the varying weights of nitrogen under different chemical condi- tions. This led him to suspect that associated with this gas was some matter as yet uninvestigated. It came about by finding that nitrogen obtained from the atmosphere was one half per cent. heavier than when extracted from chemical compounds. This was mentioned at the last meeting of the British Association, at Oxford, and caused Mr. William Ramsay, F.R.S., Professor of Chemistry at Univer- sity College, London, in conjunction with Lord n NEW ELEMENT. Mr. Crookes said: ‘‘Through the kindness of Lord Rayleigh and Professor Ramsay I have been enabled to examine the spectrum of this gas in a very accurate spectroscope and also to take photographs of its spectra in a spectrograph fitted with a complete quartz train. The results are both interesting and important, and entirely corro- borate the conclusions arrived at by the discoverers of argon. “ Argon resembles nitrogen in that it gives two distinct spectra according to the strength of the induction current employed. But while the two spectra of nitrogen are different in character, one showed fluted bands and the other sharp lines, the argon spectra both consist of sharp lines. It is, however, very difficult to get argon so free from nitrogen that it will not show the nitrogen flutings superposed on its own special system of lines. I have used argon prepared by Lord Rayleigh, Pro- fessor Ramsay and myself, and, however free it was supposed to be from nitrogen, I could always SPECTRA OF (a) ARGON AND (2) NITROGEN. (From Photographs.:by Mr. W. Crookes, F.R.S.) Rayleigh, to pursue these investigations, the result being the discovery of one, if not two, new elements. These facts were placed unreservedly before the world by these gentlemen at a special meeting of the Royal Society held on the 31st of January last, in the theatre of the University of London, before an audience, perhaps never more brilliant in this country. Three papers were then read on the new gas, which proved the splendid results still to be ob- tained by patient and well-directed original research, The new gasis named Argon, and has been obtained from the air by atomolysis, by red-hot magnesium and by sparking with an electrical current. Critical examination shows that Argon is absolutely distinct not only from nitrogen, but from all other matter. An exceedingly interesting paper upon its spectro- scopic analysis was read by Mr. William Crookes, F.R.S., as one of the three above referred to. We select from an abstract of Mr. Crookes’ statements, the following extracts to show how the gas behaved under his treatment. The spectra illustrating his paper, so far as refer to the comparison of Argon and nitrogen, are herein reproduced from photo- graphs taken by this eminent physicist. detect the nitrogen bands in its spectrum. These, however, soon disappear when the induction spark is passed through the tube for some time, varying from a few minutes to a few hours. “The pressure of argon giving the greatest luminosity and most brilliant spectrum is 3 mm. The best pressure for nitrogen is 75 or 80mm. At this point the colour of the discharge is an orange- red, and the spectrum is rich in red rays, two being especially prominent at wave-lengths 696°56 and 70564. On passing the current the traces of nitrogen bands soon disappear, and the argon spectrum is seen in a state of purity. ‘« Tf the pressure is further reduced, and a Leyden jar intercalated in the circuit, the colour of the luminous discharge changes from red to a rich steel-blue, and the spectrum shows an almost entirely different set of lines. It is not easy to obtain the blue colour and spectrum entirely free from the red. It appears that a low electromotive force (3 cm. spark, or 27,600 volts) is required to bring out the red, and a high E.M.F. and a very hot spark for the blue. The red glow is produced by the positive spark, and the blue by the negative spark. ‘‘T have taken photographs of the two spectra of argon partly superposed. In this way their dis- similarity is readily seen. In the spectrum of the blue glow I have counted 11g lines, and in that of the red glow 80 lines, making 199 in all. Of these 6 SCIENGE-GOSSIP. 26 appear to be common to both spectra. The disappearance of the red glow and the appearance of the blue glow in argon as the exhaustion increases also resembles the disappearance of the red line of hydrogen when exhaustion is raised to a high point. ‘‘T have prepared tubes containing other gases as well as nitrogen at different pressures, and have examined their spectra both by eye observations and by photography. The sharp line spectrum of nitrogen is not nearly so striking in brilliancy, number or sharpness of lines as are those of argon, and the most careful scrutiny fails to show any connection between the spectra. I can detect no lines in common. Between the spectra of argon and the band spectrum of nitrogen there are two or three close approximations of lines, but a pro- jection on the screen of a magnified image of the two spectra partly superposed will show that two at least of these are not really coincidences. “‘T have found no other spectrum-giving gas or vapour yield spectra at all like those of argon, and the apparent coincidences in some of the lines, which on one or two occasions are noticed, have been very few, and would probably disappear on using a higher dispersion. Having once obtained ABNORMAL E have received from Lieut.-Col. Blathwayt, of Batheaston, a photograph of an abnor- mal growth of ash, which we have reproduced in the hope of some discussion and elucidation of the causes of these growths. He says in his letter: ‘“‘ The interesting notice in the February number of ScIENCE-Gossip on Professor Hartig’s ‘ Text-Book of the Diseases of Trees,’ put me in mind of a curious abnormal growth on an ash tree (Fraxinus excel- siov) which I found in a hedge-row some years ago. It was a young shoot about five feet long, grow- ing from the base of a young tree that had been cut close to the ground, and which, at about eighteen inches from the top, suddenly turned in a spiral, making three com- plete turns and a half. Just below where the first turn commenced the stem began to flatten out forming a kind of wing, and this flattening extended to bark, wood and pith. Below the curve the stem was half an inch thick, and at the first turn the width had reached three- quarters of an inch, increasing gradually up to the growing point, at which the width was an inch and a half, the thickness diminishing in proportion. a tube of argon giving the pure spectra, I can make no alteration in it, other than what I have explained .takes place on varying the spark or increasing the exhaustion, when the two spectra change from one to the other. As far, therefore, as spectrum work can decide, the verdict must, I think, be that Lord Rayleigh and Professor Ramsay have added one, if not two, members to the family of elementary bodies.” The remarkable discovery made by Lord Rayleigh and Professor William Ramsay opens up a new field for investigation, the extent of which cannot even be conjectured; it is one from which the most important results may be expected in the future. Few subjects have created a more wide- spread interest than has this discovery, not only in scientific circles, but among the general public. Excellent accqunts have appeared about it in some of our daily papers, but by far the best was that in ‘Nature,’ of February 7th last, in which number appeared also a leading article describing the origin of the discovery. 1}. GesGe ASH PLANT. On the flattened side there were several notches — which looked something like cuts made by a knife; but their position was such that they could not have been thus caused unless the curving and flattening of the stem had taken place after the shoot had almost attained its present length, which is most improbable. I enclose a photograph of the branch two-thirds natural size.’ We might remind our readers that obser- vations of this character, though at one time slighted by those who only took interest in normal types and sneered at “freaks,’” may lead to much collateral evidence. The re- markable book on “‘Materials for the Study of Variation,” by Mr. William Bateson, which we reviewed in the last volume of SCIENCE- Gossip, has drawn attention to sports in Nature. We hear that Mr. Bateson has in hand a similar work on plants, so that material such as Colonel Blathwayt now brings forward cannot fail to be of service to him and those who are working in his field of inquiry. This will be especially valuable if accompanied by correct pictures and exact descriptions of the surroundings and probable causes of the particular sport discussed. ABNORMAL GROWTH OF ASH. SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 3 STRUCTURE AND GROWTH OF THE, CELL-WALL. By ArtTHUR J. MASLEN. ihe cellular structure of plants was first de- scribed by Robert Hook about the middle of the seventeenth century. He distinguished between the hollow spaces and the dividing walls, to the former of which he gave the name of cells. But he really does not appear to have seen very much. A little later two anatomists, Malpighi and Grew, studied the subject and published figures of cells, and to their work must be attributed the foundation of our knowledge, although their works had but little resemblance to modern descriptions of vegetable anatomy. Thus, Grew conceived of the walls of all cells being composed of an extremely fine web. They both combined the physiological considera- tion of the functions of organs with the examination of their structure. But they did investigate the cell-wall. The subject lay practically dormant from Malpighi and Grew to the beginning of the present century, excepting, perhaps, Wolff (1733- 1794), who pointed out that but one cell-membrane lies between two adjacent cells, a point which succeeding anatomists determining. At the beginning of the present century the subject was investigated by a Frenchman, Mirbel, and he made the first important contribution to our knowledge from several points of view, and his ideas agreed in the main with those of Wolff. An important discovery was made in the second decade of this century by the younger Moldenhawer, who succeeded in isolating the cells of tissues by boiling and macerating in water (1812). This brought him into direct antagonism with Mirbel as to the structure of the cell-wall, He found that the cells and vessels were closed tubes and sacs after isolation, and must necessarily, as it would seem, so lie one against another in the living plant, that the wall between every two spaces is formed of two lamine. He also conceived of the cell-wall being a sort of lacework. The younger Moldenhawer may be taken as closing the first section of this century, during which time he had improved the methods of observation, compared his own observa- tions with those of others with great acuteness of judgment, and did all that could be expected with the instruments of his time. From 1812 to 1828 no important advance was made, although great improvements were made in were a long time in the compound microscope, thus enabling succeed- . ing observers to have the advantage of improved instruments. Now we come to Von Mohl, a man intimately acquainted with all branches of botanical science, many of which he materially advanced. He made the solid framework of cells the object of special and searching examination, and he never forgot that the interpretation of visible structure must not be disturbed by physiological views. His views on growth in thickness of cell-mem- branes and the sculpture caused by it was published in 1828. He conceives of all organs being originally formed of thin-walled closed cells, which in the tissues are separated by walls formed of two lamelle on the inside of which new layers were formed which lie one upon another and represent the secondary thickening layers, whilst on the inner side of the membrane thus thickened by apposition there may (in some cases) be seen a tertiary layer. He also supposed that pits and spiral and other thickening was due to deposition of thickening material locally on the inside of the originally smooth thin cell-wall. Von Mohl also definitely called the layer which gives way when a tissue is macerated, the inter- cellular substance, although he afterwards aban- doned this more and more until he limited its occurrence to certain cases only. Coming now to what we may call the more modern views of cell-thickening and growth we reach Nageli. Following naturally from Nageli’s conception of the micellar structure of protoplasm, which he considered to be made up of crystalline groups of molecules, to which he gave the name of micellz, and which are always separated from one another by water. The distance between the micelle varies; when water is given off the micelle come closer together, and vice versa. On this conception has been based the intussusception theory of the growth of the cell-wall. The intussusception theory holds that the crystals (micellz) can be moved about, get farther apart, etc., and fresh cellulose micellz are inter- calated between those already present (accom- panied by increase in size of the micelle already present), forcing them apart, and thus the wall grows both in surface and in thickness. On examination of the cell-wall in section, it is seen to be made up of concentric layers, to which was given the name of stratification (Schichlung). In surface view the cell-walls are seen to have fine lines running across them, often crossing one another at right This is striation (Streifung). Nageli viewed these appearances as the optical angles. expression of watery or less watery layers. According to his view there is no reason why the striation lines of one and the same lamella could not cross one another. This was one of the fatal things that upset his theory. We do not have two By 8 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. series of crossing lines in different directions in one layer, but they belong to two. This theory was the first attempt to apply mechanico-physical considerations to the explanation of the pheno- mena of organic life. Next came Strasburger, following Dippel and others. He throws over altogether Nageli’s con- ception of micellz, and to his mind only molecules of cellulose exist. To him the lamellze, seen as stratification, are the expression of intermittent thickening by apposition, thus re-instating Von Mohl's theory of cell-wall growth. The outer coat of a lamella differs from the main body of the same lamella, and the place of junction of the lamellz is therefore indicated by difference in the refractive index. Siriation he explained by saying that each lamella is not plastered on as a whole, but as a ribbon, or more in one place than in another, the striz being the contact lines. A few years ago an important paper on the cell-wall and striation was published by Krabbe, who insists that strie do not correspond to what Strasburger believed, but that the lamella in ordinary cells are plastered on as one sheet, and that the whole appearance of Striation is due to subsequent change. Since the publication of this paper, Stras- burger has re-investi- gated the question, and has practically abandoned his theory of striation, although still maintaining that thickening takes place by apposition, especially in such cases as the bars in tracheides and the spiral thickening in some vessels. Apposition explains the growth in thickness of cell-walls, and derives confirmation from the study of the growth of starch grains, which almost certainly takes place in this way. But growth in surface has always been somewhat of a difficulty from the apposition point of view. This was at first overcome by assuming that the layers were stretched by pressure exerted from within, and that whilst in this stretched condition fresh lamelle were plastered on, and that the optical properties were the expression of tensions. But there are cases where cell-walls grow in surface when there can be no question of stretching, as by reducing artificially the turgidity of cells when the growth in surface is not retarded to such an extent as might be expected. a wall, showing striation. BOBEE SO CEeLt-WaLti.—a, Bordered pits in section. showing thickening ring (dotted lines). thickening ring stretched out (a2 a), so intercalating new piece of cell-wall. d, Middle lamella (three lines), secondary thickening layer and limitinglaver. 2, Cell-wall, showing stratification. 7, Cell- The peculiar mode of cell-growth seen in Edo- gonium, etc., is also a difficulty from the apposition point of view. Here a solid ring appears which splits and eventually stretches out and increases the size of the cell-wall. The ring shows no signs of growth by apposition; and Strasburger himself admits that it probably grows by intercalation of fresh material, although not at all according to Nageli’s theory. Lastly we come to Weisner, who says that while the cell-wall is growing it always contains proto- plasm, by the activity of which what he calls derma- tosomes, which form ultimately the cell-wall, are secreted. This finds some confirmation from the subsequent changes that cell-walls undergo, ¢.z., lignification, etc. When the cell-walls are at all thickened in a tissue we can see clearly two regions—the party-wall or middle lamella and the rest of the wall (secondary layer) on each side. There can also be distinguished a third portion — the inner limiting layer, or tertiary layer. The middle lamella is partly the primary septum common to two cells, and this commonly, when the secondary layers are changed, retains a cellulose character. It differs from the sur- rounding wall, in that it is most soluble in Schultz’s macerating fluid, and, therefore, gives way first. It also gives way when schizogenous intercellular spaces are formed. The secondary layer shows the stratification, and is the layer which principally undergoes secondary changes, lignification, etc. But the growth and thickness of a cell-wall is often not uniform; thickenings take place locally. sometimes on the outer side, as in pollen-grains, and often when cells are combined into tissues on the inner surface, giving rise to annular, spiral, scalariform, and other thickenings, and to simple and bordered pits. In the latter case the unthickened parts of con- tiguous cells are opposite one another. Although cell-walls are always first formed of cellulose (except pectose) they frequently undergo chemical, accompanied by physical, changes. These changes do not generally begin until the cell has acquired its full size. With regard to lignification, there is some doubt as to what causes this change, and the term 6, G@dogonium c, dogonium showing SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 9 “lignin’’ is but a cloak for ignorance. Two substances, coniferin and vanillin, are always associated with lignified cell-walls, and it is these substances that give the colours with re-agents. By prolonged boiling in alkalies these substances can be extracted, and then the walls give the reactions for cellulose, so that the cellulose basis is simply permeated with these other substances. Lignified cell-walls are hard, pervious to gases and liquids, etc. Lignification commonly takes place in the xylem vessels, parenchyma, selerenchyma, etc. The middle lamella is commonly strongly lignified, often partly suberized and changed in other ways. In suberization, the secondary layer becomes infiltrated with a substance (suberin), the deposition of which in the cell-walls results in the formation of cork. This substance (suberin) includes really a number of different substances. The middle lamella is commonly lignified. We can extract the corky substances by warming in alkalies and then treating with alcohol, and the framework gives the ordinary cellulose reactions. Cork-cells are impervious to water and gases and will stand the action of strong H, SO, for a considerable time. When a cell becomes corky it becomes larger, and Strasburger has pointed out that cork walls, under polarised light, show colours due to stretching. Suberization takes place in the periderm of stems and roots, the exodermis of roots, radial walls of endodermis, etc. Cuticularization is a change closely related to the foregoing, and cutin closely resembles, and probably is a,form of suberin. The reactions (KOH, etc.) that distinguish distinguish cuticularized tissue. Cell-walls may be converted into mucilage, that is to say, mucilage may either come as a primary substance from the protoplasm, or by degeneration of the cell-wall. These vary in composition and in reactions with micro-chemical re-agents. Some turn blue with iodine and Hy, SO,, but most turn yellow. The middle lamella but seldom undergoes this change (ex., Ivy), Mucilaginous cell-walls when dry are hard and horny, but when moistened become sticky and swell up. Mucila- ginous cell-walls are common in the coats of seeds, as linseed, quince, etc. This change may go on so far as to result in the conversion of the cell-wall into gum, soluble in water (ex., peach, plum, etc.) Frequently during the genesis of cells a sub- stance is formed—-not cellulose, but soluble in boiling water and alkalies—to which is given the name of pectose. This may be a forerunner of cellulose. Another substance occurring in the cotyledons of leguminous plants, palm and liliaceous seeds, is known as amyloid. This is allied to dextrose and gives the blue colour with iodine without dehydrating agents. 16, Hadley Street, Kentish Town, N.W.; Fanuary 31st, 1895. same cork, PSEUDO-ALBINO SPARROWS. By K. HurisTonE JONEs. Seve eet notices have of late appeared in this paper referring to pseudo - albino sparrows—I use the term for want of a better. This abnormality of colouring is, as far as my personal experience goes, by no means un- common; almost every winter I have observed, from time to time, sparrows which represent this curious condition. The feathers which have lost their colouring matter are almost always the primary feathers of the wings and the rectrices, or quill feathers of the tail. Sometimes the whole of the primary feathers in the wing are white, and the same applies to the tail. Much more frequently one, two, or three or more will be uncoloured and the rest quite normal. Generally, I believe, the metacarpal primaries are more liable to lose their colour than the digital. I have also seen skylarks presenting the same curious condition, but not so frequently as sparrows, and we have in the Manchester Museum a good specimen of a sky- lark presenting uncoloured primary and tail quill feathers. Observations are all very well as far as they go, but only useful in that from them it is possible to B 4 draw deductions. We require to know how the condition has come about, and also we have several rather important questions to ask about the con- dition as it stands at the present day. With regard to the origin of the condition, it is only possible to theorize. Several theoriessuggest themselves toone, all of which have this in common, that they point to hereditary influence. In the first place, it is within the range of probability that the ancestors of the sparrows, and indeed of all the other birds, carried uncoloured feathers, such feathers being obviously less evolved than those which are coloured. It is possible, presuming the above to be true, that albinos revert to an original type, and that pseudo- albinos are abortive attempts at reversion. Secondly, it may have been necessary wken the winters were much more severe in this quarter of the globe than they are now, for the birds to change their plumage and lose the colouring matter of their feathers in the winter, in order to gain a protective colouration, just as the ptarmigan does to-day. Reversion might take place as before. It is significant with reference to this, that the pseudo-albinos have at least, as far as personal ite) SCIENCE-GOSSIP. observations go, been largely noticed in the winter. Thirdly, and in some way perhaps probably, these albinos are the productions of direct hereditary influence. An albino individual pairing with a normally-coloured specimen of its own species would probably produce some parti- coloured descendants. The only objection to the last theory is, that albino varieties do not as a rule get the opportunity in these days of precise fire- arms, of propagating their species. However, whether all the albinos fall victims to the destructive instinct which we inherit or not, there can be no doubt whatever of the extent of hereditary influence, and the way in which hereditary traits crop up after a lapse of perhaps several generations, and there is no abnormality for which this is more true than albinism. In some recent observations made upon albinism in mollusca, I demonstrated very clearly the mar- vellous extent to which albino peculiarities are transmitted from one generation to another, and everyone is aware how they are transmitted in man and other mammalia. There are several questions which we ought to put with regard to the condition, apart from its origin. Are pseudo-albino sparrows, and of course other birds as well, born pseudo-albinos, or have they the capability of becoming so later in life? If pseudo-albino varieties have changed at some time in their existence, later than their fledging, how did they get rid of the melanin granules from their feathers? This last question is complicated by the fact that there is no circulation in the plumules of the feather, or in the shaft. Thirdly, can a pseudo-albino revert to the normal type, and if so, how does the colouring matter become deposited? Fourthly, if the uncoloured feathers are removed, will those which grow in their places be uncoloured or typical? There are several other things I should like to add, but I am afraid I am already taking up too much space. These notes are confessedly hastily put together, and very crude, but I hope that I have said enough to make it plain to the readers of SclENCE-Gossip that there is work to be done, and observations are worth making on this very neglected subject. I hope we shall hear more about this question in future pages, so that as our knowledge increases, we may get nearer to the truth. St. Bride’s Rectory, Manchester; Feb. 11th, 1895. THE FAUNA AND FLORA OF IRELAND. By E. L. Layarp, C.M.G., F.Z.S. HAVE been much interested in Mr. R. F. Scharff’s article on this subject, as it has deepened the impression left on my mind by a visit to Ireland last autumn. Being my first visit to the ‘‘ Emerald Isle,” things connected with my favourite pursuits naturally most attracted attention. My son and I travelled from Dublin, right across to the opposite side of the island, to the sea coast of the wilds of Connemara. From Dublin to Galway we went by rail, so there was not much oppor- tunity for observation, but from Galway to the west coast the journey was performed on outside cars, so we had plenty of time to notice things as we drove along. We remained six weeks on the coast. Both my son and myself have been assiduous bird collectors, and we were both struck with the dearth of bird life throughout the country. Perhaps our surroundings were not well fitted for it. There was nothing but bog and rock, and the usual plants of such a region. Where we lived there was not a tree for many miles in any direction, though formerly there must have been timber, for large tree-trunks and roots are constantly found by the peat cutters while cutting peat, the sole fuel used in the place. These tree-trunks—chiefly, we were informed, pine—are wonderfully preserved in the bog, and are perfectly sound and much harder than the same kind of timber of the present era. We saw large logs being sawn into boards for boat- building purposes, for which they are preferred. We noted especially the absence of all swallows and swifts. Only once, after leaving Galway, did I see one of the former—not hawking for flies, but hurrying along as if he wished to ‘‘ get out of that.” It never greeted my sight again. We saw crows, sparrows, and an occasional lark. A couple of pairs of stone-chats evidently had nested in a stone wall we constantly passed. Wind-hover hawks were generally visible, and we once or twice saw a peregrine falcon, probably the same bird, or one of a pair nesting in the neighbourhood. These were about all the land birds we noticed. Of water-birds and sea-birds there were rather more. Herons, curlews, ducks, plover, snipe, gulls and terns, oyster-catchers, sanderlings, guillemots and cormorants are all I can remember, and they did not by any means abound. Of frogs there was a small species common enough, and I should think hardly an introduction in such an out-of-the-way place. With the ex- ception of grasshoppers, I noticed a great scarcity of insects; humble bees were very rare; butter- flies were also scarce. I noted the grayling—two or three examples,—the common meadow-brown, a painted-lady or two, a small blue, and once I saw SCIENCE-GOSSIP. II a butterfly that I thought was an Aran-brown. Among the land mollusca the common garden- snail (Helix aspersa) was plentiful in a cultivated garden. Nothing else turned up, but on the Island of Aran, my son found on the walls of the old ruins of the Firbolg Fort, a singular dark variety of Helix ericetorum. The animal was so mottled with black, and apparent through the shell, that when I first saw it I fancied we had found a wandering colony of the European Helix terveri. I hunted in vain for any fresh-water molluscs, such as Bythinia or Planorbis. Of the flora, I regret to add I can say little, as I am ignorant of botany, but I recognised Asplenium trichomanes in great profusion and beauty, in the old walls between Galway and Oughterard, as we drove along; and I found, after a search, the sun- dew (Drosera) on some of the bogs. Mr. Scharff’s paper will cause us to take a greater interest in the subject and make closer observations, if we visit Ireland again this ensuing summer, which we hope to do. Certainly our weather was inauspicious, cold north and north- east winds the whole time, and yet I never saw finer and larger fuchsias, really high bushes. “ Otterbourne,” Budleigh, Salterton ; February, 1895. CADDIS-WORMS & DUCKWEED. Wis attention was attracted last May by the remarkable manner in which some caddis- worms cleared one of my vessels of duckweed (Lemna minor and thin fronds of L. gibba). Five of these creatures disposed of, on the average, twenty plants daily, and I estimated that in a pond covered with duckweed one caddis-worm to every four square inches of the surface would not merely check the growth but in the course of two months would clear the surface of the duckweed altogether. Though most of the plants are eaten, many die from being partially devoured; and, as in this species the larve construct their cases of the fronds, quantities of the plants are expended in the constant repairs of their homes. Here, then, is one explanation of the absence of duckweed in certain ponds where caddis-worms abound, as in the Black Pond at Oxshott. It is in the spring, when the duckweed is beginning to cover a pond, that these larve are best able to carry out their destructive mission. Perhaps some of the numerous readers of this journal would be able to put these results to the test of further observation. We know far more of the forms of the Lemne than we do of the conditions in which they live, and an agency that allows these plants to flourish in one pond and banishes them from another may prove to affect the distribution of these plants in different regions of the globe. Hy. B. Guppy, M.B. 6, Fairfield West, Kingston-on-Thames ; Feb, 4th, 1895. MERE nike SOCTH AL Yar ae NATURAL SCIENCE. By .T. M. McGrecor. | Ee Perthshire Society of Natural Science was founded in Perth on February 28th, 1867, for the avowed purpose of ‘carrying on the practical study of natural science, by the exhibi- tion and preservation of specimens, the reading of communications, by lectures, excursions, and by the formation of a library and museum”’; and was - inaugurated on March 7th of the same year, under the presidency of the late Dr. F. Buchanan-White. The ordinary meetings of the Society were held in the Glovers’ Hall, George Street, until October, 1869. In this place the Society had no room for the storage of specimens, so it was decided to look out for more commodious premises, the members being of opinion that ‘‘ had the Society a room of sufficient size in which to begin its museum, there would be no lack of donations.’’ It was not, however, till October, 1869, that it was announced that a room had been secured, at Kirkside, to serve as a ‘‘store-room’’ for the Society's collections. In the Third Annual Report the members were asked to assist ‘‘in getting up a complete museum of the natural products of the county —now that there is accommodation for them.’’ These premises were also found to be unsuitable for the purposes for which they had been secured, so in May, 1870, the Society moved to rooms in St. Ann’s Lane, which it continued to occupy till May, 188r. In the Eighth Annual Report we find the curator (Col. Drummond-Hay) complaining of want of space, but the Society seems to have remained in an apathetic state until November 15th, 1875, when the Council took into consideration ‘‘ the propriety of having larger rooms that might be fitted up as amuseum.” It was ultimately agreed to take a lease of a room in the Exchange Buildings, George Street, which seemed suitable. Before this was done, however, further consideration of the matter had led to broader views. At the Tenth Annual Meeting, in 1876, Sir Thomas Moncreiffe reviewed the whole matter of the Society's museum, pointing out the difficulties that lay in the way of depositing valuable specimens in the rooms then occupied by the Society, and mentioned a site which might be secured for a suitable museum. No definite steps were taken in this direction until March, 1877, when Sir Thomas Moncreiffe (then President of the Society), in his presidential address, again brought forward the scheme of building a natural history museum (in South Tay Street), together with a large public hall. The proximity of this large public hall to the museum would make the former available for lectures, conversaziones, etc., for which the lecture-room in connection with the museum might prove too 12 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. small. As the outcome of various meetings, the museum committee resolved on April 4th, 1878, to take steps to raise funds to carry out the scheme of building a museum, etc., in South Tay Street, and they were encouraged in their efforts by the promises of handsome donations from well-known residents in Perth and others. In August of the succeeding year (1879), the Society received a very appropriate memorial to their late President, would be the raising of a fund for the carrying out of his cherished idea. With this object in view, a large and influential committee was appointed, a canvass for subscriptions organised, plans prepared, and a site secured. About this time, Dr. Jas. Geikie, F.R.S., succeeded Sir Thomas Moncreiffe in the presidency of the Society. The subscriptions MOoNCRIEFFE MEMORIAL MuSEUM BUILDINGS, PERTH. severe blow in the death of its large-hearted President, Sir Thomas Moncreiffe, Bart. Had not he, by reason of his untiring energy and perse- verance, prepared the way for the successful carrying forward of his favourite scheme, it is only too probable that it would, at this time, have fallen into abeyance. His enthusiastic earnestness, how- ever, was destined not to be lost upon his fellow workers. They justly deemed that the most promised up to the date of opening were exactly £1,787, while the contracts for the erection of the building, exclusive of incidental expenses, were £1,720. So well, therefore, was the appeal for subscriptions to the Moncreiffe Memorial Museum responded to, and so heartily did the public sympathize with the projected scheme, that on Saturday, October tst, 1881, at 3 p.m., the Perthshire Natural History SCIENCE-GOSSIP: Museum was opened in presence of a large and influential assemblage of subscribers to the fund, and of members of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science. The ceremony took place in the hall of the Perth Working Boys’ and Girls’ Society, Dr. James Geikie, F.R.S., President, in the chair. =—_—<———=— ———— 13 Thus we see that in less than fifteen years this humble body of students and lovers of nature—the founders of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science—had the gratification of meeting in a pretentious building of their own. This was the result of their patient labour, for which even the (mata | aT! / AMT / f === 5 Heys ae Potariint SSSSES=== SSS UE NEES NS ER TV NG oy = Bs tne, ids HSS P= S 3 Is oe a — —- ES Wy) ==af =< Li G Cover af the Yuseum MONCRIEFFE MEMORIAL MUSEUM. The Natural History Museum Buildings consisted of (1) lecture room, (2) laboratory, (3) library, and (4) museum. In addition to these, a large space of ground remained unoccupied behind the museum building, upon which the museum extension of 1894 is now built. most sanguine member had hardly dared to hope. During these fourteen-and-a-half years of its existence, the Society had held 114 ordinary monthly meetings, at which 169 papers, including fifteen presidential addresses, had been read. In addition, various lectures had been given under its 14: SCIENCE-GOSSIP. auspices, 57 excursions made, and two very suc- cessful conversaziones held. In regard to publications the Society had brought out several in this period, the first being the in- augural presidential address, which was followed by asmall volume of ‘‘ Proceedings,”’a continuation of which, was, however, abandoned in favour of ‘‘The Scottish Naturalist,’ the first number of which appeared in January, 1871. The publica- tion of this journal was retained by the Society till 1878, when it was taken over by Messrs. Blackwood and Sons, under the same editorship. In 1883, after the lapse of a few months, it began a new career in the hands of Messrs. Cowan and Co., of Perth. The year 1892 saw a new development of it under a change of ownership, its new title being “The Annals of Scottish Natural History,”’ under which designation it is now being published. Other publications of the Society are the ‘Fauna Perthensis,” the first part of which also appeared in 1871, as a catalogue of the Perthshire lepidoptera, which was followed by ‘‘The Pro- ceedings of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science,” the first part being published in 1881. Up to March 8th, 1888, fully 600 persons had been admitted as members of the Society, the greatest number elected in one year being seventy- eight, and the least five. At this date the museum contained about 20,000 specimens, while the library boasted the possession of about-600 volumes, so that the resolution of 1867 of forming a museum and library had been well carried out. Rumours were at this time prevalent as to a projected museum extension, but it was not until the toth of March, 1892, that the newly-elected President (Mr. Henry Coates, F.R.S.), in acknowledging the indebtedness of the Society to its retiring President, Dr. F. Buchanan White, proposed to raise a testi- monial fund to him, ‘‘ to be devoted to the scheme of museum extension which he has had so much at heart.”” As the result of this suggestion, an appeal was issued during the summer of 1892, and so wonderfully generous was the response, that, of the large sum of £2,500 asked, nine-tenths were subscribed in a few weeks. By March oth, 1893, the President was able to report that plans had been prepared and estimates received for the museum extension, and without further delay building operations were commenced on the spare ground already referred to. The plan of building adopted consists of a central hall, thirty-four feet wide by forty-four feet long, witha gallery running around it. It is entirely lighted from the roof, which is lofty and arched, and supported on iron columns. In connection with the museum are work-rooms, herbarium-room, etc. The new museum building is to be exclusively devoted to the collections of Perthshire Natural History, while in the old building the Index Collection will be arranged. The proposed arrangement of the Perthshire Collections is as follows: vertebrata on the ground floor, the mammals being in tall cases in the centre, while the birds, fishes, reptiles, and amphibians will occupy the wall-cases around the sides In addition to these, an interesting collection of Perthshire birds’-nests and eggs will be displayed in table-cases round the area. As many of these will be mounted with their natural surroundings, they will undoubtedly prove a most attractive feature of the museum. The gallery will be devoted to the invertebrata, the botany and the geology of Perthshire, the land and fresh-water shells and the fossils being dis- played in desk-cases round the gallery front, and the other collections in wall-cases. For the geology and the entomology, special cases have been designed, which present some novel features, and which are thought to be specially adapted for the display of small specimens. They are wall-cases, with glass fronts, sloping at a high angle, and with false backs to correspond. The lower part of the case is in the form of a cabinet, for the storage of reference collections, while the higher part is for the display of diagrams and photographs, the middle portion only being for the display of speci- mens. By this arrangement the specimens will be neither too high nor too low to be conveniently examined. The botanical collections will include a series of specimens of the native timbers of Perth- shire, illustrated by photographs of the trees, both in summer and winter conditions, and also by dried specimens of the leaves, flowers, etc. An instruc- tive geological feature of the museum is a series of large diagrams painted in oil-colours, round the walls, illustrative of the geology of the county. These have been most carefully designed by the President, from the Geological Survey maps. They are correctly drawn to vertical and horizontal scales, the prominent topographical details being also indicated. There is also shown, at a lower elevation on the wall, a colour-key and explanation of the respective geological signs. As these dia- grams are painted in the bright and harmonious colours selected by the Geological Survey, the effect on the walls is highly artistic, besides being of great educational value. The museum has been furnished throughout in the most substantial and complete manner possible, the cases being all of polished mahogany and plate- glass, the latter being in whole sheets from top to bottom of the cases. The total estimated cost is now between three and four thousand pounds, and the Council hope to be able to meet the whole of this heavy outlay before the building is ready to be opened to the public, which it is expected will be early next winter. The Council have recently appointed a thoroughly competent scientific curator SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 15 in the person of Mr. Alex. M. Rodger, formerly assistant to Professor D'Arcy W. Thompson, University College, Dundee, and under his able guidance the arrangements of the collections will be pushed on with all possible speed. It is therefore encouraging to know that—thanks to the combined effort of a humble body of zealous workers, and to the hearty co-operation of their fellow-citizens and others, Perth will at no distant date be in possession of a Natural History Museum, which will at once be an honour to science and a credit and an ornament to the city. Surely such monuments as these bode well for the advance- ment of science. No history of asociety would be complete without a brief notice of the life and work of its founder and organiser; and with the name of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science that of the late Dr. Frank Buchanan White must ever be associated. From the date of its foundation to the day of his death, December 3rd, 1894, he devoted much of his valuable time to promote the interests and welfare of this Society; and his diligent work and exemplary care won for him the esteem and admiration of all with whom he came in contact. His natural modesty led him at all times to under- estimate his own abilities, and to under-value his own services, his aim being to keep these persis- tently in the background; but those who were more closely conversant with the affairs of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science know only too well how very much that Society is indebted to him for its present influential position. Even the casual reader of its ‘‘ Transactions” cannot but be struck by the amount of valuable work done by him, and by the wide range of his subjects. For the first five years of the Society’s existence Dr. White held the post of president; for the next two years he was secretary. In 1882 he was elected editor, which post, however, he resigned, in April, 1883. He was re-appointed president in 1884, and held this office till March roth, 1892, when he retired, as already stated, from office in favour of Mr. Henry Coates, F.R.S. It is impossible in a passing tribute to his memory to do justice to the many excellent qualities which endeared him to his fellow-workers, as only those who knew him best, and who enjoyed the privilege of his personal friendship, can adequately estimate the great loss which the Perthshire Society of Natural Science and all students and lovers of nature have sustained in his untimely end. Certainly his was a record of ‘duties well- performed and days well-spent.”’ The block of exterior of the Museum building is from. photos by Mr. Magnus Jackson, of Perth; while the sketch of interior is by Mr. W. M. Fraser, of the same city. Perth ; February 15th, 1895. NATURAL HISTORY EXHIBITION. ee City of London Entomological and Natural History Society held an exhibition of natural science objects in the library of the London Institution on February 5th, which was well supported by members, exhibitors and visitors. The most important and novel exhibit was that of Mr. Thomas Hanbury, of fruit, seeds and flowers from his well-known gardens at La Mortola, in Northern Italy. Among these were freshly- gathered fruit still attached to the branches with green leaves, of thirty species of oranges, lemons and citrons. One beautiful orange was grown on a tree which is a direct descendant from the orange tree which still flourishes at Rome after 600 years cultivation. This is the more interest- ing as there seems little reason to doubt its history, which attributes to the parent the honour of being the first plant of Citrus auvantium that was introduced into Europe. The whole time it has been tenderly cared by successive generations of monks of the monastery, where it grows. Other portions of this fine exhibit included deliciously-scented fruit of Chinese quince (Cydonea sinensis), various sprays of Hakea trees allied to the eucalyptus, with oddly- shaped fruit, curiously hairy cones of Banksia marcescens, and many more. Mr. F. J. Hanbury showed a fine collection of British plants, many being exceedingly rare and some now extinct, for instance, Orchis hircina. The most important portion of this exhibit was upwards of fifty species and varieties, being a portion of Mr. Hanbury’s magnificent series of the British Hieracia, or hawk- weeds, accompanied by specimen copies of his handsomely-coloured drawings and monograph of this group, now in process of publication. Mr. Hanbury drew our attention to specimens of Hievacium hyparcticum from Sutherland, its only known station in these Isles. This is interesting because it is a common plant in Southern Green- land and Norway, with this single known connect- ing-link between the two continents. The president of the society, Mr. J. A. Clark, showed a large case of wasps’ nests. Those of Vespa britannica were attached to heather, fir, yew and ivy. One nest of V. arborea was found on Wimbledon Common. He had also six drawers each of British and exotic lepidoptera, the former containing many fine varieties. Among the president’s birds were two cinnamon-coloured blackbirds (both from the same district in Mon- mouthshire), an almost white variety of yellow- bunting, and a hawfinch with a strong band of white feathers on the wing covers. Mr. C. H. Williams brought a perfect hermaphrodite, Argynnis paphia. This fritillary butterfly shows the male markings on the left pair of wings and those of the 16 SCIENGE-GOSSTP: female on the right-hand side. Mr. A. H. Perks, an example of Zyganea filipendule, taken by himself in Worcestershire, with pale patches of colour in the red under-wings, also a remarkable Smerinthus tilie from the same county. Mr. George Elisha, twenty drawers of micro-lepidoptera, so well known for their beautiful preservation. Other lepidoptera were shown by Mr. C. A. Briggs (four large drawers of his celebrated British Lycaenidae), Mr. F. J. Hanbury, Dr. J. E. Sequeira (Exotic), Mr. W. A. Pearce (North American), Mr. J. W. Tutt and others. Coleoptera, by Oliver E. Janson, G. A. Lewceock and E. A. Newbery. A large hornet’s nest taken at Ware, with preserved insects from it, by Mr. H. A. Auld. Birds were represented by the President, Mr. F. J. Hanbury, a fine series of cases, and a pair of polecats from Norfolk; also by A. F. Bayne, Dr. Sequeira and Mr. Ashmed. Other orders were sparsely in evidence. Microscopy made a brave show, several tables being occupied by instruments. Entomological apparatus from Mr. J. T. Crockett, and a beautifully-made forty inter- changeable-drawer insect cabinet by T. Gurney, of Broadway, London Fields. Portable electric lamps suitable for entomologists in night work, made by the National Electric Company, at- tracted much attention. There were not many actual novelties in the exhibition, but there was one important addition to the British flora in a specimen of the new Pyrus, found by the Rev. A. Ley, in Brecknockshire, which will be shortly described and named, as it appears to be new to science. This was among Mr. F. J. Hanbury’s numerous exhibits. USIP OlmMIs: OW VW O- SONS IUES. THE NATURAL HIstToRY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW issues its ‘“‘ Transactions” from 1892 to 1894, with one plate, illustrating a paper on ‘‘ The Land and Fresh- water Shells of Palestine,’ by G. A. Frank Knight. The report of this Society occupies 166 large 8vo pages. The various papers read at the meetings of the Society are varied in their subjects, some being of more than local interest. Attention may be drawn especially to those on fungi, and an interesting report, edited by Prof. Thomas King and Mr. D. A. Boyd, upon the “‘ Disappearance of Native Plants in the Flora of West Scotland.” THE ENGLISH ARBORICUTURAL SOCIETY’S ‘“Transactions’’ for 1893-4 are issued by Messrs. Coward, of Carlisle, containing some very interest- ing articles and prize essays upon the growth of trees. The membership of the Society extends to about three hundred, the Secretary being Mr. John Davidson, Haydon Bridge-on-Tyne. Considering the tendency latterly showing itself for forestry in England, this Society should receive good support. a UY Wye INGE NZ ‘“ FLORA OF BERKSHIRE.’’—Mr. Druce announces that his ‘‘ Flora of Berkshire” is in the press, and will be on the same plan as the “‘ Flora of Oxfordshire.” Lonpon CATALOGUE.—The ninth edition of this list of British plants is in the hands of the printers. We hear that the annoying subject of nomenclature is to be well to the fore. We hope the synonyms will be fully explained where the changes of names are thought necessary. é New British Roses.—The Rev. E. S. Mar- shall, F.L.S., announces two new British members of the intricate family of Rosaceze. They are from Boxley Warren, East Kent, being allied to Rosa vubiginosa (Sweetbriar). There seems little doubt they are the result of hybridisation. FRUITING OF EvonymMous Japonica.—I enclose for your inspection cutting from Euonymous bush in fruit, as itis, I believe, most unusual for it to flower and bear ripe seed-pods in this country. I have noticed it this winter in several and by no means sheltered situations, in the open air, in this town.-—J. C. Eccles, 3, Dudley Terrace, Ventnor, Isle of Wight; February 6th, 1895. A BritisH PyrRuUs NEW TO SCIENCE.—The Rev. Augustine Ley has discovered what is considered to be anew Pyrus in Wales. This will be shortly described by him in a contemporary devoted to botany. We trust we may at a later date be able to place a description, by the discoverer, of this important addition to our flora, before our readers, accompanied by a drawing taken from a freshly- gathered specimen. Mr. Ley has kindly promised to do this when the shrub is next in flower. FLORA OF IRELAND.—In reference to the article last month by Dr. Scharff, I may mention that a paper of mine on ‘‘ The Minute Aquatic Flora of Ireland,” was read before the Linnean Society in December, 1891. It was printed in the Journal of the Society in the following year; it dealt with a very large number of species, many of which were not previously known to occur either in England or Scotland, and many were new to Science.— Wm. West, 15, Horton Lane, Bradford; Feb., 1895. COLTSFOOT AS A WEATHER PROPHET.—Many people consider that when the flowers of Tussilago farfava have appeared, as they do in the last winter months, the severe weather has disappeared for the season, and nothing more serious may be expected than an ordinary course of easterly winds. Experience, however, shows that this popular opinion, like so many others when investigated, is not borne out by facts. The flowers appear in the south of England frequently as early as the begin- ning of February, and we have seen them in mild seasons even in January. During a course of observation extending over several recent years it has been noticed that the earlier these flowers appear, the more likely are we to suffer from a ~ severe period towards the end of March, or beginning of April, with considerable fall of snow. The frequency of these spring snows has passed into a proverb among country people, who speak of the ‘‘ Blackthorn Winter.”’ SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 17 Ge FN EC Fossit BacrertA.—The following interesting note, on the discovery of fossil bacteria, appears in the ‘‘ Revue Scientifique’’: ‘‘ The silicious beds of Esnost and Regny, which belong to the culm, enclose numerous bacilli in the midst of almost unrecognisable vegetable remains. A new species B. vorvax, has been studied by M. B. Renault, and appears to have been the chief cause of the destruction of vegetation. The ‘rods’ are divided into cells, each containing a spore; six to eight spores have been counted in one ‘rod’; young ‘rods’ have also been found composed of two, three and four cells; the spores escape from one of the extremities. It is the most ancient of the known bacteria.”’ DENDRITES AND OLDHAMIA.—In examining certain dendrites which I have, alongside with small specimens of Oldhamia radiata from Bray, I have been much struck with their similarity in appearance. The latter, found fossil in ancient Cambrian beds, have long occupied an undecided position between animal and vegetable. I would throw out as a suggestion the possibility of the fossil being, after all, but the impressions left by crystals formed before the hardening of the material of the rock. Oldhamia antiqua, which you figure at the head of your Geological column, will illustrate what I mean. By the way, I may say how interesting and well-considered the whole of the head-pieces are.—E. A. Martin, Thornton Heath. SECTION OF CHALK AT CRoypoN.—I think your correspondent, Mr. A. Absell, is wise in placing a query after the words ‘‘ Thanet Sands” (vol. i., N.S., page 285). From his description of the uneven surface of the chalk, and of the contents of the clefts and fissures which he mentions, I should strongly suspect that the overlying formation is of recent alluvial age. Looking at the winding valley which leads from the Downs into Croydon (Croig- deane, a winding or crooked valley), there is every reason to suppose that the valley once drained part of the hills there, and that the present site of old Croydon was formerly a wide expanse of mere and marsh (cf, Waddon Marsh). Hence it would be expected that on the inclines at the sides of the valley we should find various alluvial deposits, and this is in fact what we actually find. I know the road to which reference is made, although I cannot call to mind the particular cuttings. His descrip- tion would serve almost accurately to describe one of the many fissures and wedge-shaped clefts which seem to push themselves downward into the chalk round about Brighton and Hove. With regard to the dip of the chalk, this is of course towards the north at Croydon, but in regard to the two sections referred to, an important factor is omitted in the description. Did the faces, or the outcrops at the faces of the sections, both run in parallel direction ? If they did, there was apparently a difference in the degree of dip ; this, however, is not uncommon in the chalk.—Edwd. A. Martin, Thornton Heath ; February, 1895. i ah BOOKS TO READ I ecis Progress of Science: its Origin, Course, Promoters and Results, By J. Vittin Marmery. With an Introduction by SAMUEL LANG. 376 pp., Crown 8vo. (London; Chapman and Hall, Limited, 1895.) Price 7s. 6d. “ This will be found to be a book of reference alike for the Students of Science and for the general reader. Some idea of the large amount of valuable material digested in its pages may be gathered from the general index, which embraces over 2,500 references to facts and persons. It is a concise survey of the history of science from the earliest attempts to understand the subject down to this present year. Especially fascinating is the chapter on the progress of scientific knowledge among the Arabs, from the ninth to the fifteenth century; even though we may individually know already the facts. set forth by Mr. Villin Marmery, yet as arranged by him one cannot resist reading on page by page to the end of the chapter. The author reminds us that ‘‘the Arabian race is gifted with an intellect which, under proper directionand cultivation, yields the most admirable effects. A general fact shows this very forcibly. It took the Greeks six centuries, the Romans seven, ourselves ten to emerge from barbarism into civilisation; the Arab’s transition did not exceed one hundred years—a phenomenon which speaks volumes with respect to their natural gifts.’ We presume the author desires to convey the idea that we have emerged from our ‘‘ten,”’ but one can hardly think this is so, when we find the following footnote at the end of one of his pages. ‘‘In atown of 130,000 people, which enjoys the benefit of a public lending library, the Essays of Herbert Spencer had in six months been issued eighteen times. Not one had read the three volumes through, for the writer of the present work found pages uncut in them !”’ A much abbreviated biographical dictionary is arranged, in chronological order, of upwards of 400 men of science who have good claims to fame, the work of each being explained. These are tabulated in one of the eight appendices at the end of the book. By the way, we are pleased to see an effort has been made to avoid the ugly word ‘‘scientists,’’ which we find only once, that being in the title of a chapter, and may be the perpetra- tion of the ‘‘man who made the index,” and not of the author. This work undoubtedly shows great learning and research upon the part of Mr. Marmery, and is one which will frequently be useful to all students and writers on scientific subjects, and invaluable to school teachers. There is a very marked difference between the literary style of the couple of pages forming Mr. Samuel Laing’s introduction and the general body of the monte In the former, the sentences are elegantly written, figuratively expressed and_ full of metaphor, as becomes the finished craftsman ; whilst Mr. Marmery sacrifices everything to brevity and conciseness. Still we do not think he has overdone the pruning, for his work appears to be well done. [bee 18 SCIENCE-GOSSIP. Birds of the Wave and Woodland. By Pui ROBINSON. 244 pp.,crown 4to, with 44 illustrations by CHARLES WHyYMPER and others. (London: Isbister and Co., Limited. 1894.) Price tos. 6d. As a specimen of modern book production, Messrs. Isbister and Co., have succeeded in issuing a beautiful work. It states on the title-page that the illustrations are by Charles Whymper and others, but very few are those which do not bear Mr. Whymper's well-known signa- ture. The two pic- turesque drawings which we reproduce by permission of the publishers, are differ- ent examples of that artist’s style in this work. There are no less than eighteen full-page drawings, and many of the others are nearly as large. Evidently ex- pense has not been considered, for we have the full benefit of the wood engra- ver’s art in these pictures, instead of the growing tendency for process blocks. Mr. Phil Robin- son’s letterpress is as facile and readable as is usual with him. Pleasant enough to become most inter- esting is he as he rambles through his woodlands and by side of his waves. Always cheerfully confident in his facts and assertive as is his wont, but as was said, if we mistake not, of an ornate edition of Rogers’ “Ttaly,” on its ap- pearance—‘‘were it not for the plates, the book had been dished.” Why can- not our author take time for thought as he writes? Wehave no doubt he remem- bers now that many of his statements which are subject to correction, could have been accurately written by himself, had he thought of his bird experiences at Marlborough, when he and his brother used to find many “ good things.” A busy life, with some adventure, soon rubs off little corners of memory and the tendency to verify before committing oneself to the cruel glare of public print. Still, as we have said, this isa read- able book containing many passages of distinct literary merit. For those who care more for beauty NESTING-HOLE OF WRYNECK. From “ Birds of the Wave and Woodland.” than science, we may say we have not lately met with a book which is more pleasing or more read- able in its pleasant chattiness. j- ES A Hand-book to the British Mammalia. By R. Lypexker, B.A, F.R.S., V.P.G.S., etc. 352 pp. 8vo, illustrated with thirty-two coloured plates. Allen’s Naturalist’s Library. (London: W. H. Allen and Co., Limited. 1895.) Price 6s. The difference be- tween the old “ Jar- dine’s Naturalists’ Library’’ and the present series be- comes more apparent as it proceeds. Thisis largely to be attribu- ted to the greater scientific treatment of modern popular works on natural history than was the custom half-a- centuryago. Mr. Ly- dekker has brought his geological infor- mation to his aid in preparing the latest treatise on the wild mammals of Britain. This has been ju- diciously applied, not too speculatively as a rule, and forms one of the most pleasing features of the book. We are a little sorry to read on page 16, when introducing the bats, ‘‘ Since bats are, on the whole, less in- teresting than many other British mam- mals, our notices of the various species will be comparatively brief.” It is because they are so little known or understoed in this country that they are generally considered uninter- esting. We should like to have seen more notes from the author, on the life- history and habits of these strange ani- mals, in view of in- ducing those with a taste for natural history, who have opportunities for ob- serving, to take more interest inthem ; for we feel sure there is much still to learn about bats. These remarks, however, do not apply to some other parts of this hand-book, which is throughout most interesting, not to say entertaining. It is a valuable book and will be most useful, especially to those residing in the country, for it is quite surprising how very little is generally known about our wild agree zs SCIENCE-GOSSIP. 1g A Populay Treatise on the Physiology of Plants, for the use of Gardeners, ov for Students of Horticulture and of Agriculture. By Dr. PAUL SORAUER. Translated by F. E. Weiss, B.Sc., F.L.S. 266 pp. large 8vo, with 33 illustrations. (London and New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1895) Price gs. net. In his preface, as translator of this book, Professor Weiss says he undertook the work in consequence of there not being in the English language any book so useful for modern botany classes as that written by Professor Sorauer, now before us. The original author of the well-known and admirable ‘“Populire Pflanzenphysiologie"’ has had great opportunities of acquiring the necessary qualifica- tions to write such a book while he has been Director of the Experimental Station at the Royal Pomological Institute in Proskau, in Silesia, which post he has held for many years. As that institution is one for the scientific training of endoners and agriculturists, the book now under notice has been especially prepared for such classes by the author. The translator has maintained that charac- ter, so the book will be found invaluable as a basis of teaching in the new botany classes which are ©2222 coming intoexistence under the auspices - of various County : Councils. The work vy | is divided a into a doz- . he en chap- ah ters,which ~ bern are reall BREN RE divisions ARs sae eh ae. sa whole sub- Dy Oy BSA ject. They PES SERRE ON are such ED as the ine — Wage troduction [eee SS which de. 9 +- ~~ YS fines the ( ae concep- IF tions to 3 be formed pee by the stu- ~~ dent of a ce vegetable organism, and the various or- gans of the plant; rv the structure, nutri- tion and treatment of the root, the stem and the leaf; the treatment of the shoot ; for propagating ; the treat- ment of the leaves; the theory of watering; the flower and fruits, and seeds. The illustrations are clear, and descriptions of them simple and plain. Half Hours with the Stars: A Plain and Easy Guide to the Knowledge of the Constellations. By RicHaRD H. Procrer, B.A., F.R.A.S. 22 large 4to, with 12 maps. (London: W. H. Allen and Co., Limited.) Price 3s. 6d. This well-known and popular star-atlas is being agaia issued by the publishers. By its aid and the the use of shoots f AM A accompanying explanations there is no difficulty in finding the position of the principal star groups night afternight throughout the year, and it is true for any year. The Planet Earth: An Astronomical Introduction to Geography. By Ricuarp A. GreGorY, F.R.A.S. 116 pp. 8vo, with 36 illustrations and frontispiece. (Londonand New York: Macmillan Bwivi(sts (Gxop- 1894.) Asa primer for young people this little work will be found useful. The illustrations are well se- ' lected and the _letter- A press simply ile. yet lucidly Ah written. It is quite a book we can recommend for home in- struction of intelli- gent young people, and should help to teach observation of things a- round them, Even per- sons with limited tech- nical know- ~. ledge will be Vt « able to teach their child- ren many simple but necessary facts in con- nection with the world they live in by the aid of this book. fk tre